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Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 27 reviews

A refreshing and vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad that combines tender bow tie pasta with homemade or jarred pesto, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy toasted pine nuts. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish, ready in just 20 minutes to serve up to 10 people.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 pound bow tie pasta (farfalle)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, shredded and packed
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or grape tomatoes)
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Pesto Dressing

  • 1 cup homemade pesto or 7 to 8 ounces jarred pesto sauce
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (toasted)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add about 2 tablespoons of salt once boiling, then add the bow tie pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Toast the Pine Nuts: While the pasta cooks, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the pine nuts for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, transfer them to a plate to cool.
  3. Drain and Cool Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under running cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Shake off excess water and transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
  4. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the pesto sauce and lemon juice, mixing well to blend the flavors.
  5. Toss Pasta with Dressing: Pour the pesto and lemon dressing over the cooled pasta. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
  6. Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Add the kosher salt, black pepper, shredded spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onions to the pasta. Toss again gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Finish the salad by sprinkling fresh grated parmesan cheese and the toasted pine nuts on top. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Bow tie pasta is preferred, but any small pasta shape works well.
  • To enhance flavor, use homemade pesto if possible.
  • Make sure to cool the pasta after cooking to prevent the pesto sauce from melting and becoming oily.
  • Toast pine nuts carefully as they burn quickly.
  • This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept chilled for best flavor.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/pesto-pasta-salad-recipe/