Quick & Vibrant Florentine Pasta Salad
Whip up a deliciously refreshing Florentine Pasta Salad in just 15 minutes! This easy-to-make dish features tender fresh linguine or fettuccine, combined with aromatic pesto sauce and zesty lemon juice. Tossed with vibrant spinach, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy red onion, it offers a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. Want to elevate it further? Feel free to personalize with grilled shrimp, succulent chicken, or your favorite seasonal vegetables like mushrooms, peas, and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for lunch or a light snack, this pasta salad not only saves time in the kitchen but also brings a touch of gourmet flair to any table. Enjoy this delightful dish inspired by Better Homes & Gardens, with roots dating back to May 1990!
N/A
Servings
256
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh linguine or fettuccine pasta
9 ounces (Packaged fresh pasta)
Fresh pesto sauce
7 ounces (Packaged fresh pesto)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Shredded fresh spinach
2 cups (Approximately 1 bunch, washed and shredded)
Coarsely chopped tomatoes
1 cup (Fresh, seeds removed)
Thinly sliced red onion
3/4 cup (Fresh, peeled)
Toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup (Lightly toasted)
Grated Parmesan cheese
to taste (Optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fresh linguine or fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh pesto sauce and lemon juice. Stir until well blended.
3
Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl, tossing to coat it evenly with the pesto mixture.
4
Gently fold in the shredded fresh spinach, coarsely chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
5
Serve the salad by spooning it onto individual plates or a large platter. Finish by sprinkling the toasted pine nuts on top and optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese.
6
Enjoy this salad immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
26g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Quick & Vibrant Florentine Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing pasta dish that can be prepared in just 15 minutes, featuring fresh linguine, pesto sauce, and a variety of fresh vegetables.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
The recipe is designed to be completed in approximately 15 minutes.
What type of pasta should I use for this salad?
The recipe calls for 9 ounces of fresh linguine or fettuccine pasta.
What is the base sauce for the Florentine Pasta Salad?
The base sauce is a combination of 7 ounces of fresh pesto sauce and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes shredded fresh spinach, coarsely chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
How should the spinach be prepared?
You should use approximately 1 bunch of fresh spinach, washed and shredded, totaling 2 cups.
How are the tomatoes prepared for this recipe?
The tomatoes should be coarsely chopped with the seeds removed.
What type of onion is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of thinly sliced, fresh red onion.
Are there any nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts as a topping.
What are the optional garnishes for this pasta salad?
You can optionally garnish the salad with grated Parmesan cheese to taste.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 256 calories.
How much fat is in this dish?
The dish contains 15 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of the salad?
There are 26 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this pasta salad provide?
This recipe provides 7 grams of protein per serving.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can personalize the dish by adding grilled shrimp or succulent chicken.
What other seasonal vegetables can be added?
Suggested additions include mushrooms, peas, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Is the pasta served hot or cold?
The pasta is rinsed under cold water and served as a chilled or room-temperature salad.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This dish is inspired by Better Homes & Gardens, with roots dating back to May 1990.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
After cooking the pasta to al dente, rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for lunch or a light snack.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 primary ingredients in this recipe.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
How do I mix the sauce?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh pesto sauce and lemon juice and stir until well blended.
Should the pasta be coated before adding vegetables?
Yes, you should toss the cooked and cooled pasta with the pesto mixture to coat it evenly before folding in the vegetables.
How should the salad be served for the best flavor?
It should be enjoyed immediately after preparation for the best flavor and texture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta salad, florentine, quick meal, 15 minute recipe, lunch, snacks, fresh ingredients, healthy salad, and pesto.
Is the pesto sauce homemade or store-bought?
The recipe suggests using packaged fresh pesto sauce for convenience.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can I use dry pasta instead of fresh?
While the recipe specifies fresh pasta for texture and speed, dry pasta can be used if cooking times are adjusted.
What is the preparation for the red onion?
The red onion should be peeled and then thinly sliced.