Creamy Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad
Delight your taste buds with this Creamy Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad, a refreshing and flavorful blend that’s perfect for any occasion. This vibrant dish combines tender farfalle pasta with a creamy blend of basil pesto, enhanced by a hint of lemon and subtle spices. The addition of sweet baby peas adds a pop of color and texture, making it not only appealing to the palate but also pleasing to the eye.
5
Servings
360
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
farfalle pasta (bowtie)
2 cups (dry)
basil pesto
1/3 cup (prepared)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup
fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon
baby peas
1 cup (frozen)
Instructions
1
Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the pasta completely and bring it to a boil. Stir in the farfalle pasta and cook over high heat for 9 minutes.
2
Add the frozen baby peas to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 4 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the peas are tender.
3
Remove the pot from heat immediately and drain the pasta and peas. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain well once more.
4
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the prepared basil pesto, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir until a smooth and homogeneous dressing forms.
5
Add the drained pasta and peas to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
6
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
36g
Carbs
7.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing and flavorful chilled dish that combines tender farfalle pasta with a creamy basil pesto dressing and sweet baby peas.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses farfalle pasta, which is also commonly known as bowtie pasta.
How many cups of pasta are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of dry farfalle pasta.
How long should I boil the pasta initially?
The pasta should be cooked over high heat for 9 minutes before adding the peas.
When do I add the frozen baby peas?
Add the baby peas to the pot after the pasta has already boiled for 9 minutes.
How long do the peas and pasta cook together?
Once the peas are added, continue cooking for an additional 4 minutes.
What is the total cooking time for the pasta?
The total boiling time for the pasta is 13 minutes to reach an al dente texture.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinse the pasta and peas thoroughly under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process.
What are the ingredients in the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made from basil pesto, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and onion powder.
How much basil pesto is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of prepared basil pesto.
How much mayonnaise is used in the salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to create the creamy base.
How much lemon juice should be added?
Add 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to the dressing mixture.
What spices are used to season the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
What kind of peas are best for this salad?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1 cup of frozen baby peas.
How should the salad be prepared once the dressing is made?
Toss the drained pasta and peas gently with the dressing until every piece is evenly coated.
Does the salad need to be chilled?
Yes, cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Why must the salad sit in the refrigerator?
Chilling allows the flavors of the pesto, lemon, and spices to blend properly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 5 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 360 calories in each serving of this pasta salad.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 36g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the salad?
Each serving provides 7.2g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Creamy Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Is this a low cholesterol recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as being low in cholesterol.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe with simple boiling and mixing steps.
Can this be served as a main dish?
While it is tagged as a side dish, it can be enjoyed as a light lunch or main course.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The primary flavor is basil pesto with a hint of lemon and a creamy texture.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
While the recipe calls for frozen baby peas, fresh peas can be used if they are boiled until tender.
What is the consistency of the dressing?
The dressing should be stirred until it forms a smooth and homogeneous mixture before being added to the pasta.