Simple pasta salad (pesto maybe)

My simple BBQ menu for Saturday keeps growing

Anyway, I think I'd like to have a simple pasta salad. I searched on allrecipes but didn't find something simple. Eveything has lots of veggies, meats, etc.

I'm thinking something along the lines of Fusilli shaped pasta with a pesto sauce maybe (I had something similar at a bbq this past weekend).

Is it ok for a pesto pasta to be served cold/room temp?

Anyone have a recipe? The one I had this weekend was sort of bland.

Re: Simple pasta salad (pesto maybe)

yes you can totally do that.

Usually I make the sauce in advance and leave it in the food processor... then I boil the pasta 20 minutes before I want to serve, add some pasta water to the sauce, re-blend. drain the pasta, mix and serve. I prefer it warm...and with the sauce all ready to go, its pretty easy to put together quick!

Message edited 7/17/2012 10:50:22 AM.

Re: Simple pasta salad (pesto maybe)

I would add a veggie or 2 (cherry tomatoes, asparagus?) and maybe diced mozzarella too?

Simple pasta salad (pesto maybe)

My sister made a pesto pasta salad and added cherry tomatoes and mozz balls. It was so good!

Simple pasta salad (pesto maybe)

Yum, adding the tomato and mozz balls sounds good. Will do. Guessing cold/room temp is ok them right?

Re: Simple pasta salad (pesto maybe)

Re: Simple pasta salad (pesto maybe)

LOVE LOVE LOVE this pasta salad... it's so good and not too many ingredients.

Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Asparagus, String Beans, Cherry Tomatoes and Olives
Serves 8, an Eats Well With Others Original

Ingredients
1 lb mini ravioli or tortellini (I used sun-dried tomato mini ravioli from a local Italian supermarket)
1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
8 oz halicot verts or string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tuscany seasoning (or other Italian blend)
8 oz kalamata olives, halved
1/2 cup pesto
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
Heat oven to 450. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli according to package directions.
While the water is coming to a boil, toss the asparagus, string beans, and cherry tomatoes with the olive oil, tuscany seasoning, salt and black pepper. Spread out onto one or two parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender and starting to brown/shrivel.

Re: Simple pasta salad (pesto maybe)

I put basil, a garlic glove, parm cheese and EVOO in mine. I think the garlic gives it the kick yours might have been missing.

I got a cucumber, feta and orzo saladd today for lunch. That was light and simple.

Re: Simple pasta salad (pesto maybe)

Very easy and yummy pasta salad...

1 Box Pasta (I use tri-color rotini)

3/4 - 24oz jar of Giardeniera Salad (I use Victorias) Use 1/2 of the juice & 3/4 of the veggies. Cut veggies into smaller pieces) Save Left Over Juice

1/2 Can of Black Olives sliced up (can buy already sliced)

1/2 jar green olives sliced up (can buy already sliced)


1/2 Jar of Red Roasted Peppers cut up


Mix all ingredients and add some olive oil, white vinegar, black pepper and garlic powder (all to taste).

Taste it, see if it "needs more" and repeat adding a little bit at a time. Use left over Giardeniera juice if needed.

The original recipe for this had salami, pepperoni, provolone, american cheese, etc etc etc but for outdoor parties, I like to leave it just this way so it keeps longer.

i sometimes will add fresh mozzarella