Debbies Pasta Pesto Salad Recipes

PESTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and immediately rinse the pasta under cool water to prevent the noodles from sticking to one another. Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl.
• Meanwhile, to prepare the pesto: In a small skillet, toast the pepitas over medium heat, stirring often, until they are fragrant and making little popping noises, about 5 minutes. Pour half of the pepitas into a bowl for later (we will use them as garnish).
• Pour the remaining pepitas into a food processor. Add the basil, parsley, lemon juice, garlic and salt. Process while slowly drizzling in the olive oil, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary, until the pepitas have broken down to create a pretty smooth sauce.
• To assemble the pasta salad, pour all of the pesto over the pasta and toss until the pasta is lightly and evenly coated, adding a tiny splash of reserved pasta cooking water if necessary to thin it out. Then add the cherry tomatoes, arugula, remaining toasted pepitas, and any optional add-ins (olives, chickpeas and/or cheese).
• Toss again to combine, then season to taste with pepper. If the pasta needs more flavor, add salt, to taste, or a splash of lemon juice. If the flavors are too bold, let it rest for a few minutes, and add a little splash of olive oil if necessary to tone down the rest.

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl. Gently stir in the tomatoes, cheese and basil., In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

DEBBIE'S PASTA SALAD - LITTLE BIT OF THIS, LITTLE BIT OF THAT

Steps:

• Cook the pasta ala dente, rinse with water, drain real well and let cool.
• Mix the dressings, mayonaise, parmesean cheese, garlic powder, garlic salt and onion powder in a bowl until combined well.
• Quarter the pepperoni slices.
• Slice the sausages in half lengthwise and then each half into about 1/4 inch slices.
• Slice the ham in about 1 inch strips and then each strip into about 1/2 inch slices.
• Mix all but the dressing mixture with the pasta until well combined.
• Add the dressing mixture to pasta and mix until well combined.
• Salt and Pepper To Taste.
• Let flavors meld together overnight if possible and serve the next day.

DEBBIE'S PEACH PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Store in the fridge until needed.
• To make the salad, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and pour over the dressing.
• Stir to combine.

PESTO PASTA CAPRESE SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
• Mix pesto, olive oil, salt, granulated garlic, and black pepper in a bowl; add rotini. Toss to coat. Fold in tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil.