Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

Try this fresh twist on a classic pasta salad. This delicious Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad recipe combines the nutty flavour of toasted pine nuts, the freshness of rocket (arugula) or baby spinach leaves, the tanginess of feta, and the richness of creamy pesto dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a summer picnic, and it makes the perfect BBQ side dish. And the best part? Once your pasta and chicken are cooked (and you can do that in advance), it’s ready to enjoy in less than 10 minutes!

Can you make Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad as per the recipe up to 24 hours before consuming, but leave the rocket (arugula) and basil leaves to the side. Toss them through just before serving.

Is Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad suitable for leftovers?

Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad is best eaten immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.

Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

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This delicious Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad recipe combines the nutty flavour of toasted pine nuts, the freshness of rocket (arugula), the tanginess of feta, and the richness of creamy pesto. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a summer picnic, and it makes the perfect BBQ side dish.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Yield: 2 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (90 g) rocket (arugula) or baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup (200 g) cooked pasta of choice
• 1 cup (150 g) halved grape tomatoes
• 1 cup (160 g) shredded poached or roasted chicken
• ¼ cup (35 g) crumbled feta
• ¼ firmly packed cup (15 g) basil leaves
• 1 tbsp toasted pinenuts
• ¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated parmesan

Dressing

• 2 heaped tbsp pesto
• 2 heaped tbsp plain Greek yoghurt
• 1 tsp water

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine.

Notes

MAKE AHEAD

Prepare the salad as per the recipe up to 24 hours before consuming, but leave the rocket (arugula) and basil leaves to the side. Toss them through just before serving.

LEFTOVERS

This is best eaten immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.

• Author: Nicole
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Category: pasta salad
• Method: boil, comnine
• Cuisine: Italian