Pasta salads are the ultimate summer move, especially when it’s too hot to use the oven. They’re easy yet delicious and come together quickly, plus they don’t require much heat. Adding an easy homemade pesto to pasta salad elevates it to much more than a picnic or barbecue side. If you need to use up some extra basil or just want to try a twist on a classic side, this pesto pasta salad will please everyone in a cinch.
Spinach and parsley is a poor mans pesto; REAL pesto uses BASIL. It’s odd because the video uses pignoli (pine) nut, which is far more expensive than the basil v. spinach/parsley swap. Seriously, MR if you’re going to say something is pesto, make a REAL PESTO
I had an abundance of pesto that I had already made with sunflower seeds so used that as the rest of the ingredients was the same. Topped some fresh basil and roasted sunflower seeds and chopped in some summer veggies that I already had, summer squash and cucumbers. It was a meal and yummy. Shared with neighbors. Thanks!
This is one of those recipes that you can do som much with or leave the way it is and its relish! So the yogurt makes it feel luxurious. Pesto makes it super flavorfull will serve again to company.
We had an explosion of basil and plans to attend a Memorial Day cookout, so I found this recipe in searching. It was a major hit at the party. I added some sliced black olives for a bit more interest. Also, you can use less olive oil than is called for, especially since you'll be blending your pesto with greek yogurt for the dressing. I used very good quality olive oil, and combined with the freshly picked basil, this was a great salad. I'll definitely make it again.
A little bit of work, and not that exciting. Maybe add more veggies? Also, I accidentally used 10% milkfat yogurt and it's too rich!
Really delicious! Yum! I made the pesto with walnuts and added some extra walnuts to the finished salad. I added chicken, onion, and cucumber. I will be making this again. Great summer recipe. I will enjoy it in the winter as well.
Loved the blend of yogurt with fresh pesto, but added a bit of sugar to take the edge off, then perfect. Didn't have tomatoes so added sundried tomatoes, chopped hazelnuts, chopped cranberries and feta cheese. Yummy salad and will definitely do again.
I thought this was delicious and easy. I used store bought pesto and I added cucumber and some lemon juice. Next time I will add red onion as well. I found that it was still very good the next day.
I modified this recipe somewhat: bought Central Market pesto (yummy), added cucumber and red onion along with the tomatoes and added lemon pepper and a little lemon juice as others suggested. I served tonight with burgers and hotdogs and it was just delicious! I'll even have leftovers for tomorrow's lunch! It's a deinite repeater.
This recipe tasted great the first time around; does not keep well. It is not nearly as good after it has been refrigerated.
I simplified this recipe by using pre-made pesto. My pesto seemed a little bland so I added about a tablespoon of lemon zest and about a quarter cup of Parmesan cheese. Next time I make this I think that I would add a few green onions finely chopped to the mix. Sun dried tomatoes instead of the grape tomatoes might be a nice switch up too.
This was very good. I have even made it with store-bought pesto and it works fine. It needed a bit more salt and pepper for us, though. I do like to add more vegetables to it. I tried red onion and cucumber and that was great! I will definitely make it again.
Easy to make, but I agree with Pana; some lemon pepper really kicks it up a notch.
This was very easy to make. I found it needed a little more
A good way to use up the basil that's taking over my summer garden. I often add diced cooked chicken to make this an entree or to take along to a potluck or picnic. I gave this 4 stars because the seasoning needs to go up a notch. Lemon zest or lemon pepper is a good addition.
Very good and simple