Pasta Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray

Show: 30 Minute MealsEpisode: Big Flavor Brunch

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (52)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(52)

Cook Time:
10 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
6 to 8 servings

Times:

Prep: 10 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 10 min
Total:: 20 min

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Directions

1 pound cavatappi, corkscrew pasta, or medium shells

Coarse salt

1 cup prepared pesto sauce from refrigerated case in supermarket

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

4 scallions, chopped

3/4 pound ricotta salata, chopped and crumbled, in specialty cheese case of market or 1 pound tub bocconcini mini pieces of mozzarella, drained, pieces halved

Black pepper

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it.

Place pesto, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, tomatoes, scallions and cheese in a large bowl.

Cook pasta to al dente then cold shock it and chill it down under cold running water. Drain well. Add to mixing bowl. Combine salad and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Pasta Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
Margie cape coral, FL 11-07-2009
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Great salad!
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I have made this salad many times and it is always great. I keep getting requests to bring it to friends' for potluck. I've... learned through trial and error that if you make it the night before two things happen: it dries out so you need to add quite a bit more olive oil, and the pesto can tend to discolor and turn a bit brown which doesn't look too good, although it still tastes great! I've added other things to it depending on what I have. Artichoke hearts, roasted red pepper, almost anything you like. I will try making it the same day and see if that works better. Read more
recipe Pasta Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
Nikki San Francisco, CA 08-13-2009
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Kicked up Pesto Pasta
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This pasta is a go to dish for me when it comes to potlucks and BBQ's. It is a slight variation on the regular pesto pasta... but I think with more pizzaz! I love lemon so this is perfect for me!Read more
recipe Pasta Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
Nina Newport Beach, CA 10-14-2008
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Easy and delicous!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Very good and extremely easy to make (even for a beginner like me!). Instead of the ricotta I used crumbled goat cheese. A... great side item for almost any meal and perfect to bring to a BBQ. Read more
recipe Pasta Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
Nicole Long Island City, NY 08-12-2008
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Simple and flavorful
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This pasta salad is a great choice for outdoor barbecue's. It's served and kept at room temperature so there is no fuss. A... lot of reviewers commented there was too much lemon but I thought it was the perfect amount.Read more
recipe Pasta Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
Arlene Punta Gorda, FL 07-26-2008
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Outstanding!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I have made the Pasta Salad many times for friends and outdoor functions. Everyone that has ever tried it absolutely loves... it and always asks for the recipe. Now, everytime I am invited to any function this is my receipe of choice to bring along and share. Truly delish!Read more
recipe Pasta Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
Anonymous 07-22-2008
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Delicious!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This is one of my favorite food network recipes! My mom and I are pretty much addicted... I modify pretty much every recipe... on this site to my taste. If you don't like lemon, add a little less. If you make it with mozzarella, add some salt. Overall I think it is great!Read more