14 June 2025
Pasta Salad with Pesto Rosso
RecipeShare Test Kitchen
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad with homemade pesto rosso, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables—perfect for a summer lunch or picnic.
A Sun-Kissed Pasta Salad for Effortless Summer Eating ☀️🍅
This vibrant Pasta Salad with Pesto Rosso brings together everything you want in a warm-weather dish: bright tomato pesto, tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and the irresistible saltiness of bacon. It’s the kind of recipe that feels rustic Italian yet perfect for modern, everyday cooking—fresh, quick, and full of bold flavour.
What Makes This Pasta Salad Special 🍝❤️
The star of this dish is the homemade pesto rosso, a sun-dried tomato pesto that’s rich, tangy, and naturally sweet. The almond powder adds subtle nuttiness, while basil and Parmesan create that classic Italian depth. Combined with juicy tomatoes, sweet peas, and delicate zucchini ribbons, each bite is refreshing yet satisfying.
Because it’s served cold or at room temperature, this pasta salad is ideal for picnics, meal prep, summer lunches, or a light dinner al fresco. Add crispy bacon for savoury crunch—or keep it vegetarian by swapping in toasted almonds.
How the Pesto Rosso Brings Everything Together 🍅🌿
Unlike the classic green pesto, pesto rosso is creamier and slightly smoky, thanks to sun-dried tomatoes marinated in olive oil. Blended with garlic, basil, and Parmesan, it creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to penne or fusilli. A drizzle of extra olive oil transforms it into a velvety dressing that turns a simple bowl of pasta into something unforgettable.
A Balanced, Make-Ahead Pasta Salad 🥗⏱️
This recipe strikes the perfect balance: plenty of fresh vegetables for fibre, carbs for energy, and protein from bacon and peas. It’s a make-ahead champion, staying delicious even after chilling. The flavours deepen over time, making it perfect for batch prep.
Want it lighter? Use whole-wheat pasta or swap the bacon for grilled chicken. Prefer more richness? Add mozzarella pearls or dollops of ricotta.
Simple Steps, Big Flavours ✨
You’ll first prepare the pesto rosso—quick, fragrant, and vibrant. Then boil the pasta and peas, crisp up the bacon, and toss everything together in one big salad bowl. Zucchini ribbons on top give the dish a fresh, summery finish that looks beautiful on the table.
Perfect for Any Occasion 🎉
Whether you're hosting a sunny garden lunch, packing up a picnic basket, or just craving something bright and wholesome, this pasta salad fits the moment. It’s easy, customisable, and sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Enjoy this refreshing, flavour-packed dish—and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to summer pasta salad! 🍃🍝☀️
Pasta Salad with Pesto Rosso
RecipeShare Test KitchenA vibrant and flavorful pasta salad with homemade pesto rosso, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables—perfect for a summer lunch or picnic.
Chef's Tips
You can swap the spinach for lamb’s lettuce or any salad greens.
Use your favorite pasta shape—penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work well.
Tools Used
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Ingredients
USMetric
Main Salad
Pesto Rosso
Instructions
Prepare Pesto Rosso
- 1
In a blender, combine drained sun-dried tomatoes, almond powder, garlic, Parmesan, and basil.
- 2
Blend until smooth, adding a few drops of olive oil if needed. Transfer to a small bowl.
Cook the Components
- 1
Boil the green peas in salted water for 6 minutes. Drain and cool in ice water. Set aside.
- 2
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 6–7 minutes. Drain and toss with olive oil in a salad bowl.
- 3
Cook the bacon lardons in a pan until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble the Salad
- 1
Add pesto rosso to the pasta and mix well.
- 2
Add peas, lardons, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Toss gently.
- 3
Peel zucchini into ribbons, coat lightly in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Plate the salad and top with zucchini ribbons.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
Calories 520
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 26g33%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 25mg8%
Sodium 420mg18%
Total Carbohydrates 52g19%
Dietary Fiber 6g21%
Sugars 6g
Protein 18g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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