Delicious Basil Pesto Pasta Salad
This Basil Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch, this salad showcases the freshness of basil combined with the creamy richness of Parmesan cheese. Tossed with your favorite pasta and accentuated with tangy black olives, this cold salad makes for a refreshing meal. Whether you serve it right after making or let it sit overnight for enhanced flavors, it’s sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests.
6
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian salad dressing
3/4 cup (Ready to use)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Fresh basil
2 cups (Washed)
Garlic
1 clove (Pressed, chopped, or smashed to taste)
Chopped black olives
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Cooked pasta
3 cups (Any bite-sized variety, cooled)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the fresh basil leaves thoroughly and patting them dry.
2
In a blender, combine the fresh basil, pressed garlic, Italian salad dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese.
3
Blend the mixture on high speed until it's completely smooth and creamy. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional dressing to your preference.
4
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta and chopped black olives.
5
Pour the basil pesto sauce over the pasta and olives, tossing gently to ensure everything is well coated with the dressing.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. For optimal taste, refrigerate overnight.
7
When ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
20
Carbs
5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delicious Basil Pesto Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and pasta, perfect for picnics or light lunches.
What type of pasta should I use?
You can use any bite-sized variety, such as rotini, fusilli, or penne, as long as it is cooked and cooled.
How do I make the pesto sauce?
Blend fresh basil, pressed garlic, Italian dressing, and Parmesan cheese in a blender until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate it for at least 1 hour or even overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a vegan Italian dressing and a plant-based Parmesan substitute to make it vegan-friendly.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 10g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 5g of protein.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be pressed, chopped, or smashed to your personal taste before being added to the blender.
What can I use instead of black olives?
You can substitute black olives with green olives, capers, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Can I add extra vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cucumbers would be excellent additions to this pasta salad.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a cold pasta dish, making it refreshing for warm weather events like picnics.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for this recipe to achieve the bright color and signature pesto flavor.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking and toss it with a little oil or the dressing immediately after it cools.
What kind of Italian dressing is best?
Any standard bottled or homemade Italian vinaigrette works well as the base for the pesto sauce.
Should the basil be washed?
Yes, wash the fresh basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry before blending to ensure a clean flavor.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp can turn this salad into a more substantial meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
How long does the salad stay fresh?
When stored properly in the fridge, the pasta salad will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it can negatively affect the texture of the pasta and the creamy dressing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensuring your Italian dressing is certified gluten-free.
What can I use if I do not have a blender?
A food processor will work just as well to combine the basil, garlic, and dressing into a smooth sauce.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the amount of garlic based on your preference for a stronger or milder taste.
What should I do before serving the salad?
Give the salad a quick toss and garnish it with extra grated Parmesan cheese for the best presentation.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, this is an easy recipe that requires minimal cooking and a simple blending step.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While Parmesan is classic, you could try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different sharp flavor.
Why do I need to pat the basil dry?
Drying the basil prevents excess water from thinning out the dressing, ensuring a creamy consistency.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
You can, but this specific recipe blends pesto ingredients with Italian dressing for a unique, tangy twist.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
The fiber content is minimal, but you can increase it by using whole-wheat pasta or adding more vegetables.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Yes, it is an ideal potluck dish because it is easy to transport and can be served at room temperature or cold.
How much basil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fresh basil leaves to ensure a vibrant and aromatic sauce.