Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are a culinary staple known for their versatility and ease of preparation. They can be served as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a main course, making them perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep. Among the myriad of pasta salad recipes available, the Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad Delight stands out as a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. This dish combines the vibrant taste of fresh vegetables with the rich and creamy essence of pesto, making it not only visually appealing but also satisfying for the palate.

Discover the irresistible Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad Delight that will elevate your meal experience. This versatile dish features rotini pasta tossed with fresh vegetables, creamy pesto, and a blend of tangy feta and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect for potlucks or light lunches, it's customizable to fit various diets. With a burst of flavors and textures, this pasta salad is both satisfying and nutritious. Explore how to prepare it and enjoy a culinary masterpiece that will wow your guests!

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Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup freshly made or store-bought pesto

1/2 cup creamy dressing (such as ranch or Greek yogurt dressing)

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and sliced black olives. Mix lightly and set aside for later use.

Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pesto and your choice of creamy dressing until smooth and well combined. If you wish for a thinner consistency, drizzle in a bit of olive oil or a splash of water for desired creaminess.

Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl of prepared vegetables. Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta and gently toss the mixture to ensure every piece is beautifully coated.

Add Cheese & Season: Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper according to your taste. Give the salad another light toss to mix.

Chill: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a delicious harmony.

Serve & Garnish: Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir to bring everything together. Garnish with fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | Serves 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Consider serving the salad in a large clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients. You can also sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves on top for an elegant touch. Enjoy!