Zesty Cilantro Pesto Pasta Salad
This Zesty Cilantro Pesto Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for any gathering or a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring al dente rigatoni pasta tossed in a vibrant cilantro pesto made with fresh herbs, garlic, and rich olive oil, this salad is enhanced with the crunch of pine nuts and the briny goodness of sliced black olives. It's a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will leave everyone asking for more. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a satisfying and nutritious meal!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
rigatoni pasta
1 lb (cooked to al dente, drained, and cooled)
olive oil
1/2 cup (used for blending pesto)
fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup (washed and loosely packed)
garlic
2 cloves (crushed)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (used in pesto)
pine nuts
1/4 cup (lightly toasted (optional))
black olives
1/2 cup (sliced)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
2
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the olive oil, fresh cilantro leaves, crushed garlic cloves, and dried oregano. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy pesto consistency.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked and cooled pasta with the cilantro pesto dressing. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is well coated.
4
4. Season the pasta salad with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
5
5. Gently fold in the pine nuts and sliced black olives, ensuring an even distribution throughout the salad.
6
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7
7. Before serving, give the pasta salad a good toss to reintroduce the ingredients, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro Pesto Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing and flavorful dish featuring al dente rigatoni tossed in a vibrant cilantro pesto with pine nuts and black olives.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for rigatoni pasta, but other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli can also be used.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it reaches an al dente texture, then drain and rinse under cold water.
What are the main ingredients in the cilantro pesto?
The pesto is made by blending olive oil, fresh cilantro leaves, crushed garlic cloves, and dried oregano.
Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Should the pine nuts be toasted?
Toasting the pine nuts is optional, but doing so lightly can enhance their flavor and crunch.
How do I make the pesto consistency smooth?
Use a blender or food processor to combine the olive oil, cilantro, garlic, and oregano until creamy.
What kind of olives should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sliced black olives.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I serve this dish at room temperature?
Yes, this pasta salad can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
How is the salad seasoned?
It is seasoned with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Is this a healthy side dish option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features fresh herbs, garlic, and heart-healthy olive oil.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is essential for the texture and vibrant flavor of the pesto; dried cilantro is not recommended for this specific use.
What is the role of olive oil in this recipe?
Olive oil acts as the base of the pesto dressing, providing a rich and smooth texture.
Should I rinse the pasta with cold water?
Yes, rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water halts the cooking process and keeps the salad from getting mushy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, making it ahead and letting it sit in the fridge helps the flavors develop.
How do I prepare the garlic for the pesto?
The garlic cloves should be crushed before being added to the blender or food processor.
What herbs are in the pesto?
The pesto uses fresh cilantro leaves and dried oregano.
What if I don't have pine nuts?
You can substitute pine nuts with toasted walnuts, sunflower seeds, or omit them entirely.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, with an ingredient count of 9 and simple steps, it is tagged as a quick meal.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
It means cooking the pasta so that it is still firm to the bite, which is ideal for pasta salads.
Do I need to cook the pesto ingredients?
No, the pesto is a 'no-cook' sauce made by blending raw ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for a summer gathering?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a summer salad and is perfect for picnics or potlucks.
How much cilantro is required?
You will need 1 cup of loosely packed, washed fresh cilantro leaves.
How do I ensure the pasta is well coated?
Toss the pasta thoroughly in a large mixing bowl with the pesto before adding the toppings.
Should I cover the salad while it refrigerates?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh while chilling.
Can I add other vegetables?
While not in the original recipe, cherry tomatoes or bell peppers would be great additions.
How much dried oregano is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
What should I do right before serving?
Give the salad a final toss to redistribute the ingredients and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.