Christmas Pasta Salad is a Holiday Must-Have
This Christmas Pasta Salad is not just a treat for the holiday season but also a wonderful recipe to keep in your repertoire for any special occasion. Its vibrant colours and refreshing flavours make it a hit at summer barbecues, family gatherings, and potluck dinners all year round. With the red of sun-dried tomatoes and roasted capsicum, the green of fresh basil and broccoli, and the creamy white of baby bocconcini, it captures the festive spirit beautifully
Plus, it’s easily customisable – swap out the broccoli for asparagus in the spring, or add some grilled chicken for extra protein. The versatility of this salad is one of its best features. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for the family, it’s a dish that everyone will love. And remember, the key to a great pasta salad is balancing the flavours – the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes, the creamy bocconcini, and the zingy pesto all come together in perfect harmony.
This salad is not just a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. It’s perfect for large gatherings, serving up to 16 as a side, and trust me, it’ll be gone before you know it! So, go ahead, make this salad your own and enjoy every bite! 🥗✨
The Magic of Homemade Pesto 🌿
One of the highlights of this dish is the homemade basil pesto. Making pesto from scratch might seem daunting, but it’s incredibly easy and so worth it. Freshly toasted pine nuts, fragrant basil, and sharp Parmesan cheese blend together to create a sauce that’s far superior to anything store-bought. Plus, you can adjust the flavours to your liking – a bit more garlic for a kick, a squeeze of lemon for freshness, and just the right amount of salt and pepper.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pesto
Toast the Pine Nuts: Toasting the pine nuts brings out their nutty flavour and adds a lovely depth to the pesto.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese are key. The quality of your ingredients will shine through in the final dish.
Pulse, Don’t Blend: Pulsing your ingredients in the food processor gives you a chunky, rustic pesto, which clings beautifully to the pasta.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Invite to Share
I’d love to see your creations! Take a picture of your Christmas Pasta Salad and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff.
More Holiday Recipes to Love
If you enjoyed this Christmas Pasta Salad, you’ll love these recipes:
Christmas Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by toasting pine nuts in a dry pan over low heat until lightly golden.
- In your food processor, combine basil, nuts, garlic, cheese, and oil. Pulse to create a beautiful chunky pesto sauce.
- Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and a lemon squeeze for zing.
- Stir the pesto through your cooked pasta.
- Add drained sun-dried tomatoes, baby bocconcini, blanched broccoli and capsicum. Toss together for a mouthwatering holiday feast!
Nutrition
Video
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can prepare the components a day in advance and assemble the salad just before serving. This allows the flavours to meld beautifully.
If you’re looking for a substitute, walnuts or almonds work well and add a unique twist to the pesto.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good toss before serving again.