Cold Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

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This Cold Pesto Pasta Salad recipe is not just any ordinary pasta salad; it’s a delightful ensemble of al dente pasta, aromatic homemade pesto, lush greens, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all brought together with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a splash of lemon juice for that extra zest. What I love most about this dish, besides its incredibly easy preparation, is how it perfectly encapsulates the casual elegance of summer dining.

How to make Cold Pesto Pasta Salad

Cold Pesto Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a side at a picnic or barbecue. It combines cooked pasta with pesto sauce, usually made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Ingredients

For the Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts (toasted, if you prefer)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Pasta Salad:

• 1 pound pasta (rotini, fusilli, bow ties, or penne work well)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Lemon zest and juice of one lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Making the Pesto:

1. Start by preparing the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, nuts, and garlic. Pulse a few times to chop and blend the ingredients.
2. While the processor is running, slowly pour the olive oil into a steady stream. This helps emulsify the mixture and integrate the oil smoothly.
3. Add the grated cheese and pulse until the cheese is well blended into the mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pulse again until all ingredients form a smooth paste. Set aside.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but firm to the bite. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften a bit as it absorbs the dressing.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Ensure the pasta is thoroughly cooled down to prevent the pesto from becoming oily when mixed.

Assembling the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the homemade pesto. Stir gently to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto.
• Add the cherry tomatoes, olives, red bell pepper, red onion, and cucumber to the bowl. Toss everything together so that the vegetables are dispersed throughout the pasta.
• If using, sprinkle over the crumbled feta cheese and mix gently to incorporate.
• Drizzle the juice of one lemon over the salad and add the zest for a refreshing citrus kick—season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.

Finishing Touches:

• When ready to serve, give the salad a good mix and check for seasoning, adjusting if necessary.
• Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

What to serve with

Cold Pesto Pasta Salad is delightfully versatile and pairs wonderfully with various dishes, making it a fantastic option for many dining occasions. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a picnic, or a more formal gathering, this salad can accompany numerous mains and sides.

Grilled Main Courses

• Grilled Chicken: A classic choice, grilled chicken breasts or chicken thighs marinated in herbs, lemon, and garlic complement the herby pesto and pasta.
• Grilled Shrimp: Skewered and grilled with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper, shrimp make a perfect pairing for a seafood-enhanced meal.
• Grilled Steaks: For a more hearty meal, serve a beautifully grilled steak alongside your pasta salad. The robust flavor of the meat against the fresh pesto is delightful.

Barbecue Favorites

• BBQ Ribs: Cold Pesto Pasta Salad is a great side dish alongside sticky, smoky BBQ ribs. The refreshing taste of the salad provides a nice contrast to the rich barbecue sauce.
• Pulled Pork: Pulled pork sandwiches topped with a tangy coleslaw, combined with the fresh pesto pasta salad, make for a summer feast filled with various textures and flavors.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Bell peppers are stuffed with a rice and vegetable mixture, topped with cheese or a vegan alternative, and baked until tender to create a satisfying and colorful meal.

Lighter Fare

• Quiche or Frittata: A slice of a savory quiche or frittata, with a combination of eggs, cheese, and vegetables, can be a delightful complement to this pasta salad.
• Assorted Wraps or Sandwiches: A selection of wraps or sandwiches filled with various meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies can be a practical and enjoyable pairing for a light lunch with friends.

Casual Finger Foods

• Skewers or Kebabs: Veggie, chicken, or beef skewers are a tasty and easy-to-handle choice that guests can enjoy alongside the pasta salad.
• Mini Sliders: Bite-sized sliders, whether classic burgers, chicken, or vegetarian patties, make fun and casual complements that guests can customize to their liking.

Complementary Sides

• Garlic Bread or Focaccia: To round out the meal, serve crusty garlic bread or a slice of aromatic focaccia; its flavors will resonate well with the pesto pasta.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad, either as a side or a dessert, will refresh the palate and balance out the savory notes of the meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, perhaps dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette, can be a simple, healthy addition.

Beverages

• Wine Pairings: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Rosé are great wine choices that won’t overpower the salad’s flavors.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: For non-alcoholic options, freshly squeezed lemonade or iced tea with a hint of mint provides a refreshing sip to cleanse the palate.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Cold Pesto Pasta Salad can be a delightful culinary project. It’s easy to customize based on personal taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or simply what you have on hand. Here are suggestions for ingredient substitutions that can help you tailor this dish to your needs or desires.

Pesto Ingredients Substitutes

• Basil: While basil is the traditional herb used in pesto, you can easily substitute it with spinach, arugula, or even kale for a different flavor profile. Mixed herbs can also work.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a dairy-free or vegan version, nutritional yeast can provide a similar umami flavor. Vegan parmesan is also an option, or you can use another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano if you have it.
• Garlic: If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Start with a smaller amount, as it’s more concentrated.
• Olive Oil: While extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, you can use other mild vegetable oils or even avocado oil.

Pasta Substitutes

• Pasta Type: Any pasta shape works in a pesto pasta salad, though short shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle are popular since they hold the pesto well. Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini (zoodles) for a gluten-free option.

Protein Substitutes

• Chicken: If the salad recipe suggests chicken and you’re looking for alternatives, consider adding grilled shrimp, chunks of pan-seared salmon, or for a vegetarian option, white beans or chickpeas for protein.

Cheese Substitutes

• Mozzarella Pearls: If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, diced fresh mozzarella, feta cheese, or even cubed cheddar can provide a pleasant bite and creaminess to the salad.

Final Thoughts

Serve your cold pesto pasta salad as a deliciously cool side on a hot summer day, or pack it up for a picnic feast – it’s versatile, full of flavor, and delights with every vibrant forkful.