When it comes to pasta salads, marrying pesto with hot pasta is a breeze, but creating a creamy and delicious pesto pasta salad with cold pasta can be a challenge. All too often, cold pasta salads can end up gummy and lacking dressing, leaving much to be desired. However, with our innovative approach, we’ve cracked the code to create a delightful pesto pasta salad that stays rich and creamy, even with room-temperature fusilli. By borrowing a classic pasta salad ingredient, mayonnaise, and combining it with traditional basil pesto, we achieve the perfect creamy sauce that beautifully coats the pasta. Leaving the pasta slightly wet after draining is another key element in creating the right texture. Marinating the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cherry tomatoes in the pesto dressing for 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously. The final touch of baby arugula brings a pleasant spiciness that elevates our pesto pasta salad to new heights. This recipe is perfect for using leftover cooked chicken or quickly preparing chicken following our instructions. The salad can be made ahead and refrigerated, and before serving, you can easily refresh its texture with warm water and additional olive oil.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound fusilli
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 3 ounces (3 cups) of baby arugula
PREPARATIONS:
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the fusilli and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until it is tender. Drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and drain again, leaving it slightly wet.
- In a food processor, process the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic clove until smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add the grated Parmesan and mayonnaise, pulsing to incorporate the ingredients.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta, pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded cooked chicken together, ensuring everything is well combined. Cover the bowl and let the pasta salad marinate for 15 minutes.
- Before serving, stir in the baby arugula and season the pesto pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste.
YIELD:
- This creamy and flavorful pesto pasta salad yields approximately 6 servings.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- To achieve the desired texture of the finished salad, cook the fusilli until it is completely tender and leave it slightly moist after rinsing.
TIPS:
- For added convenience, you can use leftover cooked chicken in this recipe. Alternatively, quickly prepare the chicken following our instructions.
- The pesto pasta salad can be prepared through step 3 and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Before serving, add warm water and additional olive oil as needed to refresh the salad’s texture.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- Calories: 560
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
In conclusion, our pesto pasta salad is a testament to the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Marrying the richness of basil pesto with creamy mayonnaise creates a delightful sauce that coats the room-temperature fusilli effortlessly. The slightly wet pasta helps to retain the creamy dressing and ensures each bite is full of flavor. The addition of juicy cherry tomatoes and tender shredded chicken brings brightness and depth to the salad, while the baby arugula adds a refreshing spiciness that elevates the overall taste.
This pesto pasta salad is not only bursting with flavors, but it also offers convenience, making it an ideal dish for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. Preparing the salad ahead and letting it marinate allows the flavors to meld together, saving you time and ensuring that you serve a dish that impresses every palate.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying main course or a delightful side dish, this pesto pasta salad is sure to be a hit. Its creamy, fresh, and zesty flavors make it an excellent complement to any meal. Plus, the ability to use leftover cooked chicken or quickly prepare chicken according to our instructions adds flexibility to the recipe.
In the world of pasta salads, our pesto-infused creation stands out as a true winner. It beautifully captures the essence of classic Italian flavors, offering a delightful fusion of creamy pesto, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and vibrant arugula. Each forkful is a taste of summer, making it the perfect addition to any seasonal gathering.
So, the next time you find yourself craving a pasta salad with a twist, turn to our pesto pasta salad recipe and enjoy a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds singing.
