Sides and Snacks

Pesto Pasta salad

VEGAN, VEGETARIAN, NUT-FREE, GLUTEN-FREE OPTION

Lovely Spring has come. The cool breezes, beautiful blossoms, and chirping of birds. I truly enjoy spring beyond the fresh weather it brings. 

Spring is also perfect for picnics. So let’s start to explore food ideas for those fun days in the park. One dish that lends itself well to picnics is Pasta salad. Moreover, since spring has cooler weather, we don’t have to worry too much about keeping the food cold. A creamy pasta salad will hold good and will be just perfect for some outdoor enjoyment. 

Here is a unique pasta dish which can be had warm or cold. Since we were going to have it cold, all the vegetables are kept raw. Thawed green peas, crisp strips of carrots, and sliced mushrooms are all tossed together with simple bow-tie pasta. The sauce is a simple, light, white sauce with olive oil, flour, and almond milk. Finally, bring it all together with heaping scoops of freshly made pesto. 

Tip – For a boost of protein, you can add some tofu 

Delicate, simple, crunchy pesto pasta salad is just the dish you are looking to take to the next school gathering in the Spring. 

Tip – use alternate pasta for a Gluten-free option

Try these are other Pasta dishes for your next gathering –

Orzo ‘fried’ rice with Asparagus

Tangy lemon pasta with roasted corn

Spring vegetables chickpea pasta

Pesto pasta salad

Here is a unique pasta dish with green peas, crisp strips of carrots and sliced mushrooms all tossed together with simple bow-tie pasta. Finished with scoops of pesto sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix all the ingredients except the pesto and toss to combine
  • Add the pesto sauce, check salt and let it rest to absorb the flavors
  • Top with mozzarella cheese crumbles 
  • Serve chilled

Leave a Reply