Pesto pasta salad is a delicious and easy dish that can be enjoyed either as a side dish or a light meal. Ina Garten's recipe for pesto pasta salad is a classic that is sure to be a hit with family and friends. The pesto is made with fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts, and the salad is finished off with Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
The best part about this dish is that it can be made in just a few minutes and requires minimal ingredients. All you need is some cooked pasta, pesto, diced tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. All the ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Pesto Pasta Salad Ina Garten
This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients to make, but they all work together to create an amazing dish. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 lb of cooked pasta (such as spaghetti, fusilli, or shells)
- 1/2 cup of prepared pesto
- 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
Instructions for Pesto Pasta Salad Ina Garten
This dish comes together in just a few easy steps. Here's how to make it:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto. Mix well to coat the pasta.
- Add the diced tomatoes and Parmesan cheese and mix until combined.
- Drizzle with olive oil and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips for Making Pesto Pasta Salad Ina Garten
If you want to make this dish even more flavorful, try adding some chopped fresh basil or parsley. You can also add some olives, artichoke hearts, or even cooked shrimp or chicken for an extra boost of protein.
If you don't have any prepared pesto on hand, you can make your own by combining fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with another type of hard cheese, such as Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pasta is best for pesto pasta salad?
Any type of pasta will work in this dish, but the best choices are short, spiral-shaped pasta such as fusilli or shells. These shapes hold onto the pesto better than long, thin pasta like spaghetti.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to add the olive oil just before serving.
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pesto can be used in this dish. Just make sure to read the label carefully to make sure the ingredients are fresh and of good quality.
Can I use other ingredients in this dish?
Yes, you can add other ingredients such as cooked shrimp, chicken, olives, artichoke hearts, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Just be sure to adjust the amount of pesto and olive oil accordingly.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, this dish can easily be made vegan by substituting the Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative and omitting any animal products such as shrimp or chicken.
Post a Comment for "pesto pasta salad ina garten"