Easy Ina Garten Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Pesto pasta salad brings a burst of Mediterranean charm to any dining table.

Bright green herbs and rich, nutty flavors dance through each colorful bite.

Fresh ingredients transform simple pasta into a memorable culinary experience.

Summer gatherings shine with this delectable dish that combines creamy textures and aromatic notes.

Complex yet approachable, the recipe welcomes both novice and experienced cooks to its delightful world.

Home kitchens come alive with the promise of a crowd-pleasing meal that feels simultaneously elegant and relaxed.

Nutritious and satisfying, this pesto pasta salad offers a perfect balance of taste and comfort: dive in and savor every forkful!

What Makes Ina Garten’s Pesto Pasta Salad the Perfect Summer Dish

• Quick and Easy Comfort: This pasta salad brings restaurant-quality deliciousness right to your kitchen without complicated techniques. Ina Garten's recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that feels gourmet yet incredibly approachable.
• Versatile Flavor Powerhouse: Packed with creamy pesto, crunchy pine nuts, sweet peas, and tangy Parmesan, this salad delivers multiple taste dimensions in every single bite. Guests will love the complex yet harmonious flavor profile that feels both familiar and exciting.
• Flexible Preparation Magic: Whether you're using store-bought pesto or creating your own from scratch, this recipe adapts perfectly to your time and skill level. The entire dish comes together in just 32 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend gatherings with friends and family.

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Pesto Pasta Salad

• Fusilli, Bow-Tie Pasta: Classic pasta shapes perfect for catching and holding sauce, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and flavor.

• Pesto, Spinach: Creamy sauce base with added green veggie for extra nutrition and color, choose fresh or store-bought pesto.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and helps balance the rich pesto.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy binder that enhances sauce smoothness and adds richness.

• Walnuts, Pine Nuts: Crunchy nutty elements that provide texture and depth, select fresh and raw nuts for best flavor.
• Basil: Aromatic herb that gives traditional pesto its signature taste, opt for fresh leaves when possible.
• Garlic: Pungent flavor booster that complements the herbal notes.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and umami, choose freshly grated for best flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance overall taste, adjust to personal preference.

• Peas: Sweet, tender vegetable that adds color and gentle sweetness, use thawed frozen peas.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich binding liquid for pesto and pasta coating.

How to Prepare Ina Garten’s Pesto Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfectly

Grab 2 large pots and fill with water. Add a pinch of salt to each pot. Bring water to a rolling boil. Cook fusilli in 1 pot and bow-tie pasta in another for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain pasta and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Let cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Create Pesto Sauce

• Use food processor
• Add pesto
• Add drained spinach
• Squeeze in lemon juice
• Blend until smooth
• Mix in mayonnaise
• Blend again until perfectly combined

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Grated Parmesan
• Thawed peas
• Pine nuts
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 4: Mix and Season

Stir ingredients thoroughly using a large spoon. Ensure everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Homemade Pesto Option

• Add walnuts
• Add pine nuts
• Add garlic
• Chop for 15 seconds
• Add basil
• Add salt
• Add pepper
• Slowly drizzle olive oil while processing
• Add Parmesan
• Blend until smooth and creamy

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious pasta salad!

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Pesto Pasta Salad

• Boost Flavor Dynamics: Blend different types of basil like lemon or Thai basil with traditional sweet basil for a complex, multilayered herbal profile.
• Elevate Texture Contrast: Sprinkle crispy pancetta or bacon bits to introduce a salty, crunchy element that transforms the salad's mouthfeel.
• Customize Cheese Options: Experiment with aged pecorino or sharp asiago instead of parmesan for a more robust and tangy cheese undertone.
• Freshen Summer Vibes: Incorporate halved cherry tomatoes or quick-pickled red onions to introduce bright, acidic notes that cut through the pesto's richness.
• Upgrade Protein Potential: Mix in grilled shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or cannellini beans to make the pasta salad a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Keep Ina Garten’s Pesto Pasta Salad Fresh

• Container Shield: Select a rock-solid, leak-proof airtight container with a secure lid to lock in freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping into your pasta salad. Ensure the container is clean and completely dry before transferring the salad.
• Chill Zone Strategy: Slide the container into the refrigerator's main compartment, keeping it away from strong-smelling foods. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture, watching for any signs of ingredient separation or wilting.
• Ingredient Preservation Hack: Separate fresh herbs and delicate ingredients from the main salad mixture before storing. Keep these components in small sealed bags or containers to maintain their vibrant flavor and crisp texture, adding them back just before serving to keep the salad looking and tasting spectacular.

Delicious Variations of Ina Garten’s Pesto Pasta Salad

• Roasted Veggie Fusion: Elevate the pasta salad by roasting colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Toss the caramelized vegetables into the pasta for an extra layer of depth and smoky flavor.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Transform the recipe by adding crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, and diced cucumber. Swap the traditional pesto with a sun-dried tomato pesto for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Protein Power Punch: Boost the nutritional value by mixing in grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or seared shrimp. These protein additions create a more substantial and satisfying meal that works perfectly for lunch or dinner.
• Gluten-Free Garden Remix: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or quinoa pasta. Use dairy-free pesto and swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to create a lighter, allergy-friendly version of the classic recipe.

Ina Garten’s Pesto Pasta Salad: A Light and Flavorful Meal

Pesto Pasta Salad Masterpiece whisks culinary enthusiasts into Mediterranean-inspired paradise.

Sophisticated flavors dance across palates with remarkable complexity.

Mediterranean ingredients merge seamlessly within each delightful forkful.

Creamy textures complement nutty undertones while fresh herbs elevate classic comfort.

Parmesan cheese adds sophisticated depth to this remarkable dish.

Such culinary magic beckons adventurous souls to craft, savor, and celebrate – click that share button, drop comments below, and spread pure deliciousness across digital landscapes.

Ina Garten Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s pesto pasta salad brings Italian coastal charm to summer gatherings with perfectly al dente pasta and zesty homemade basil pesto. Fresh ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors create a refreshing dish that welcomes you to savor each delightful forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Pasta Ingredients:

• ¾ pound (340 grams) fusilli pasta
• ¾ pound (340 grams) bow tie pasta

Vegetable and Herb Ingredients:

• 5 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1 pack (10-ounce/283 grams) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out
• 1 ½ cups frozen peas, thawed
• 3 tablespoons garlic, chopped (about 9 cloves)

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups olive oil
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ⅓ cup pine nuts
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• ¼ cup walnuts
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta vessels by filling two large pots with salted water. Bring liquid to a vigorous boil. Submerge fusilli and bow-tie pasta separately, cooking for 10-12 minutes until perfectly tender. Drain pastas and transfer to a spacious mixing vessel. Drizzle with olive oil, gently coating each pasta strand. Allow mixture to cool to ambient temperature.
2. For pre-made pesto preparation, combine pesto, drained spinach, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a food processor. Pulse until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Incorporate mayonnaise, blending thoroughly until ingredients meld seamlessly.
3. Cascade the creamy pesto mixture over cooled pasta. Introduce grated Parmesan (1/2 cup or 50 grams), thawed green peas, toasted pine nuts, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the mixing bowl.
4. Utilize a robust utensil to fold ingredients meticulously, ensuring even distribution. Conduct a flavor assessment, adjusting seasoning as needed to elevate the overall taste profile.
5. For artisanal pesto crafting, place walnuts, pine nuts, and garlic cloves into the food processor. Pulse briefly for 15 seconds to create a rough texture. Add fresh basil leaves, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Activate processor and gradually stream extra virgin olive oil while blending. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, continuing to process until achieving a luxurious, emulsified sauce.

Notes

• Whip up this Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad for a crowd-pleasing dish that screams summer celebration.
• Customize your creation by adding grilled proteins or extra veggies to match your mood and appetite.
• Homemade pesto transforms this simple recipe into a gourmet experience that’ll impress your friends and family.
• Prep the pesto in advance to save time and let flavors mingle beautifully before serving.
• Toss in various pasta shapes for a playful texture that keeps every bite interesting and delightful.
• Enjoy maximum flavor when served at room temperature, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings and potlucks.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg