Description
This Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and creamy dish combining gemelli pasta with basil pesto, mayonnaise, peas, asparagus, chickpeas, and pine nuts. It’s perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or potluck favorite, ready in just 20 minutes and packed with garden-fresh flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb DeLallo Gemelli Pasta, cooked according to package instructions
Pesto Dressing
- 6.35 ounce jar DeLallo Simply Pesto Basil Pesto
- 1/2 cup Real Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Salad Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups steamed asparagus, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups chickpeas, drained
- 3/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the gemelli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Prepare the Pesto Dressing: In a bowl, combine the basil pesto and mayonnaise. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended to create a creamy pesto dressing.
- Cook the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the frozen peas by cooking according to package directions. Steam the asparagus until tender, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the warm cooked pasta, pesto dressing, sea salt, cooked peas, chopped asparagus, drained chickpeas, and pine nuts. Toss all ingredients together gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating of the dressing and mixing of flavors.
- Serve: Sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped chives for a burst of mild onion flavor and added color. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for a refreshing cold pasta salad.
Notes
- To save time, use fresh peas instead of frozen if available, simply blanch them quickly.
- For added texture and flavor, consider toasting the pine nuts lightly before adding to the salad.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you want a gluten-free option.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your pesto and mayonnaise.
