Mary KellyWhen planning a delightful meal, knowing what to pair with your dish is just as important. Jimmy John’s Pesto Pasta Salad, vibrant and loaded with flavors, can shine alongside various accompaniments. Imagine a sumptuous grilled chicken breast, seasoned to perfection, or crispy garlic bread that offers a satisfying crunch.
You might also consider a refreshing fruit salad with juicy watermelon and sweet strawberries. Not forgetting, a chilled glass of sweet iced tea can keep the palate quenched and refreshed. These options will elevate your dining experience, making the pasta salad the star of the show.
Pasta salad is that timeless dish loved by many, and few can resist a great recipe. Inspired by tastes from an Italian kitchen, the Jimmy John’s Pesto Pasta Salad serves up freshness, nutrition, and flavor in a simple-to-prepare format. As a registered dietitian and passionate foodie, I appreciate recipes that marry health with taste. This one does just that. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the details!
What is Jimmy John’s Pesto Pasta Salad?
At its core, Jimmy John’s Pesto Pasta Salad combines short pasta and flavorful ingredients married with a creamy basil-pesto dressing. This dish bursts with vibrant colors and textures—think sweet green peas mingling with tender sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pine nuts. It makes for a satisfying meal full of nutrition. And here’s the best part: you can whip it up quickly, making it perfect for a weekday dinner or a festive gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
There are several reasons this Pesto Pasta Salad is a winner. First, the blend of ingredients provides both nutrients and a delightful crunch. The salad features protein from chickpeas, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the nuts and pesto. Furthermore, it’s versatile. You can adapt the recipe based on available ingredients or personal preferences. Pesto brings a world of flavor, so this dish is both indulgent and guilt-free.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Getting started is easy. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup creamy mayonnaise (light version is acceptable)
- ½ cup basil-infused pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for an extra layer of flavor)
For the Salad:
- 1 pound short pasta such as gemelli, rotini, or farfalle
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- 1 cup sweet green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 18 sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- A pinch of sea salt
How to Make Jimmy John’s Pesto Pasta Salad
Alright, so how do we bring this delightful dish together? It’s pretty straightforward. Follow along as we break it down into easy steps!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add a pound of your choice of short pasta to the pot. Cook it according to package directions, or until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the pasta is cooking, let’s whip up that zesty dressing. In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ½ cup of creamy mayonnaise, ½ cup of your basil-infused pesto, and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. This tangy dressing will elevate your entire dish!
Step 3: Drain and Rinse the Pasta
Once cooked, drain your pasta but don’t forget to rinse it with cold water. This step helps to halt the cooking process and cools down the pasta, keeping it from becoming mushy. Let it drain completely.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooled pasta. Toss in 1 cup of sweet green peas, 18 thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts. Toss lightly until well-combined. Each ingredient brings its own flavor and texture.
Step 5: Add the Dressing
Now, pour your homemade dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Use a spatula to gently fold the dressing into the salad until everything is evenly coated. This is where the magic happens.
Step 6: Season and Chill
Don’t forget to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for good measure. Mix again and taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Making the Best Pasta Salad
- Use Cold Water: Rinsing pasta prevents it from sticking.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing it to sit intensifies the flavors.
- Get Creative: Feel free to incorporate seasonal veggies.
- Store Leftovers Properly: This salad can last for up to three days in the fridge.
- Dress Right Before Serving: If you plan to eat leftovers, consider adding the dressing just before you serve for optimal freshness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. If it begins to dry out, consider adding a splash more dressing to refresh it before serving.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions for Jimmy John’s Pesto Pasta Salad
You want to make sure this salad shines at your next meal. Here are suggestions on how to serve it:
- Boldly Pair with Grilled Chicken: The juicy offset of grilled chicken complements the creamy salad.
- Add a Side of Garlic Bread: This will give your meal an extra crunch and flavor burst.
- Serve with Mixed Greens: A side salad elevates the meal with fresh greens.
- Include a Glass of Sweet Iced Tea: The refreshing drink ties the meal together—not too sweet, just right.
Alternatives for Ingredients
Sometimes, we face the reality of missing ingredients. Here are swaps to help your cooking stay on track:
- Pasta Substitutes: If you can’t find short pasta, gluten-free penne works just as well.
- Chickpea Alternatives: Consider using cannellini beans for a different texture and taste without losing protein.
- Nuts: If pine nuts are unavailable, sliced almonds are a perfect stand-in, adding a different nuttiness.
- Dressing Variation: You can always use store-bought Italian dressing instead of making your own for convenience.
Jimmy John’s Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start with bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add a pound of your choice of short pasta to the pot. Cook it according to package directions, or until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, let’s whip up that zesty dressing. In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ½ cup of creamy mayonnaise, ½ cup of your basil-infused pesto, and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. This tangy dressing will elevate your entire dish!
- Once cooked, drain your pasta but don’t forget to rinse it with cold water. This step helps to halt the cooking process and cools down the pasta, keeping it from becoming mushy. Let it drain completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your cooled pasta. Toss in 1 cup of sweet green peas, 18 thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts. Toss lightly until well-combined. Each ingredient brings its own flavor and texture.
- Now, pour your homemade dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Use a spatula to gently fold the dressing into the salad until everything is evenly coated. This is where the magic happens.
- Don’t forget to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for good measure. Mix again and taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use Cold Water: Rinsing pasta prevents it from sticking.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing it to sit intensifies the flavors.
- Get Creative: Feel free to incorporate seasonal veggies.
- Store Leftovers Properly: This salad can last for up to three days in the fridge.
- Dress Right Before Serving: If you plan to eat leftovers, consider adding the dressing just before you serve for optimal freshness.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
There you have it—a complete guide to creating a delectable Jimmy John’s Pesto Pasta Salad from scratch. It’s not just about the recipe; it’s about the experience. The joyful moments shared over good food are what truly matter.
So gather your friends or family, prepare this salad, and get ready to elevate your dining experience. With that simple combination of ingredients and clear steps, you can satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Enjoy your cooking journey, and here’s to many flavorful meals ahead!
