๐ฟ๐ Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe ๐๐ฟ
Description:
A delightful and airy pasta salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Served in a bowl adorned with vibrant fresh spinach leaves, this recipe is a true delight. Inspired by the culinary expertise of Better Homes and Gardens, it’s a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 ounce rigatoni pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 2 fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/8 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 238
- Fat: 9.9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7g
- Cholesterol: 8.5mg
- Sodium: 239.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 30.7g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugar: 1.9g
- Protein: 6g
Recipe Category: Pasta Shells
Keywords: <30 Mins
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine fresh spinach leaves, basil leaves, garlic cloves, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Add olive oil and water to the blender. Cover and blend until the mixture is nearly smooth and forms a paste-like consistency.
- Incorporate light mayonnaise into the spinach mixture, blending until well combined.
- Cook ziti and rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the spinach mixture over the pasta and toss well to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Additional Tips:
- This spinach pasta salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it an excellent option for potlucks or picnics.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources, such as cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, or grilled chicken.
- For a creamy texture, you can increase the amount of light mayonnaise or add a splash of Greek yogurt to the spinach mixture.
- Garnish with extra grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
This Spinach Pasta Salad is a refreshing and wholesome dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, it’s a feast for the senses that will leave everyone asking for seconds! ๐ฅโจ
