Italian Pesto Pasta Salad Food

PESTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and immediately rinse the pasta under cool water to prevent the noodles from sticking to one another. Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl.
• Meanwhile, to prepare the pesto: In a small skillet, toast the pepitas over medium heat, stirring often, until they are fragrant and making little popping noises, about 5 minutes. Pour half of the pepitas into a bowl for later (we will use them as garnish).
• Pour the remaining pepitas into a food processor. Add the basil, parsley, lemon juice, garlic and salt. Process while slowly drizzling in the olive oil, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary, until the pepitas have broken down to create a pretty smooth sauce.
• To assemble the pasta salad, pour all of the pesto over the pasta and toss until the pasta is lightly and evenly coated, adding a tiny splash of reserved pasta cooking water if necessary to thin it out. Then add the cherry tomatoes, arugula, remaining toasted pepitas, and any optional add-ins (olives, chickpeas and/or cheese).
• Toss again to combine, then season to taste with pepper. If the pasta needs more flavor, add salt, to taste, or a splash of lemon juice. If the flavors are too bold, let it rest for a few minutes, and add a little splash of olive oil if necessary to tone down the rest.

PESTO GENOVESE (AUTHENTIC ITALIAN BASIL PESTO)

Steps:

• Crush garlic using a mortar and pestle. Add pine nuts; crush with the garlic. Add basil leaves gradually, making circular movements with the pestle, until a smooth paste forms.
• Mix Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and pecorino Romano cheese using a wooden spoon. Stir in olive oil until pesto is blended.

ITALIAN PESTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain pasta, rinse in cold water, and return to the pot. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
• Combine basil, parsley, and garlic in a food processor; pulse until combined. Add toasted pine nuts and lemon juice and pulse until well combined. Add Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup olive oil while processor is running; blend well. Season pesto with salt and pepper.
• Place pasta into a large mixing bowl and stir in pesto. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to thin slightly and continue to mix until pasta is thoroughly coated; add more pasta water as needed. Mix tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, celery, and onion into the salad until well combined.
• Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to blend together, or eat right away.

PESTO PENNE PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add penne pasta and a little bit salt, and cook till al dente (fully cooked but still firm) about 8-10 minutes, or according to package directions. Do not overcook the pasta. Turn off the heat and reserve at least 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and let it cool for 1 minute.
• Transfer pasta into a large mixing bowl and add pesto and reserved pasta water (1/4 cup or more, if desired). Season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat. Stir in cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately. Sprinkle extra parmesan on top, if desired.

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Boil pasta with olive oil and salt as directed by package.
• While pasta is cooking, cook chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces.
• Chop each tomato into thirds.
• Toss chicken and tomato with chopped garlic.
• When pasta is done toss in chicken and tomato mixture.
• Drizzle with pesto sauce and toss lightly.
• Serve family style in large bowl, sprinkled with crumbled feta.

PESTO CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a large pot of salted boiling, water, cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain pasta, rinse with cold water and set aside.
• In a small glass dish, mix together Italian salad dressing and pesto.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped spinach, chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, sliced grape tomatoes and shredded chicken. Add in sun-dried tomatoes (optional).
• Whisk the dressing quickly again, then pour over top of salad and toss well to mix the dressing into all of the ingredients.
• Taste the salad and add salt and pepper to taste.
• If eating salad immediately, drizzle with balsamic glaze reduction. If you are eating the salad later, I suggest adding the balsamic glaze at that time.
• Cover and chill in refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.

EASY PESTO SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Place all the ingredients in a jar. Screw the lid on tightly and give a good shake.
• Adjust the seasoning and serve over salad leaves.

ITALIAN CHICKEN-PESTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente (do not overcook the pasta; drain in a colander then rinse well under cold water.
• Drain the pasta well in the colander.
• Place the pasta in a large bowl then toss with 2-3 tablespoons oil.
• Add in chopped tomatoes and cooked cubed chicken; toss to coat.
• For the dressing; in a processor puree the prepared pesto with the spinach and lemon juice.
• Add in the mayonnaise and pulse until blended.
• Add the mayo mixture to the pasta mixture; toss to combine.
• Mix in the Parmesan cheese then season with salt and pepper.

CREAMY ITALIAN PESTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.
• Drain pasta; place in large bowl. Add cream cheese spread, pesto sauce and milk; toss until smooth and evenly coated. Add arugula, tomatoes and peppers; mix lightly.
• Refrigerate 3 hours or until chilled. Stir in Parmesan and nuts just before serving.

ITALIAN PESTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Boil pasta according to package directions.
• Drain and rinse with cold water. Allow to completely cool to room temperature.
• In a mason jar add Italian salad dressing and pesto - screw on mason jar lid and vigorously shake to combine dressing and pesto.
• In a large salad bowl add pasta, dressing, onion, cucumber, tomato, and cheese. Toss to combine. Cover and chill for an hour and serve.
• This is a great side dish to make the day before.

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
• In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.

PESTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the pasta for 10 mins in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, then tip into a bowl. Stir in the crème fraîche followed by the pesto, then leave to cool.
• When the pasta is cool, stir in the cucumber, tomatoes and peas followed by the basil leaves. Season if it needs it, and tip into a container to transport it.

ITALIAN DELI PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Drain and let cool to room temperature.
• Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise, olive oil and red wine vinegar in a large bowl. Add the pasta and toss well. Add the giardiniera, provolone, salami, parsley and basil; toss well and season with salt and pepper.

CHICKEN PESTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water, until al dente, according to instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water. Shake out any excess water. 2. Place pasta in a large bowl and stir in the pesto and Italian dressing. Add the cooked chicken and add to the bowl along with the baby spinach. Fold in the tomatoes, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add olive oil or more Italian dressing if the mixture seems dry. 3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Before serving give it a stir. 4. Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.