Pasta salads are a great way to take advantage of seasonal vegetables and dressings to create a delicious, healthy meal. This Spinach Pine Nut Pasta Salad is a great example of a simple, yet flavorful dish that will be sure to satisfy any crowd. This salad is light and fresh, with a combination of crunchy pine nuts, sweet cherry tomatoes, and flavorful spinach. The creamy dressing brings the flavors together for a truly unique and tasty pasta salad.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of dried pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. When boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked pine nuts, spinach, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until fully combined. Pour over the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Serve immediately or keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my pasta is al dente?
The key to al dente pasta is to check the package of pasta and follow the directions for cooking time. Generally, you should check the pasta a few minutes before it is done cooking. The pasta should be slightly firm to the bite, with a slight chew. If the pasta is too soft, it will be mushy.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the container in the microwave and heat until warmed through.
Can I use other vegetables in this salad?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice to this salad. Some great options include bell peppers, cucumbers, celery, and carrots.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any type of short pasta will work in this recipe. Try using bow ties, rotini, or shells.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. The pasta should be cooked and cooled before adding it to the other ingredients. The dressing should be added right before serving.
