This vibrant summertime pasta salad, bursting with fresh corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty jalapeño pesto, is a true celebration of the season's best. The salad gets its kick from a homemade jalapeño pesto that's both spicy and herbaceous. The addition of whole grain pasta, nutrient-rich black beans, and feta cheese rounds it out into a satisfying meal.
Most of these ingredients are straightforward and should be easily found in your local supermarket. However, pepitas, also known as green pumpkin seeds, might not be in your pantry. They are typically located in the nuts and seeds aisle. If you can't find pepitas, sunflower seeds make a good substitute.
Ingredients for Summertime Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Corn and Jalapeño Pesto
Whole grain bow-tie pasta: Bow-tie pasta is chosen for its ability to hold onto the pesto, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Its whole grain version adds a hearty, nutty flavor and extra fiber.
Black beans: These provide protein and a nice contrasting texture. Canned ones work perfectly.
Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes provide a burst of freshness and sweetness. They also add a pop of color.
Fresh corn kernels: Fresh corn is sweet, crunchy, and perfect for a summer salad. You can use either fresh or frozen.
Feta cheese: The tanginess of feta pairs well with the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes.
Parsley and cilantro: Both herbs add a vibrant green color and fresh flavor to the pesto.
Jalapeños: The source of heat in the pesto, adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Lemon: Adds a refreshing citrus note to the pesto.
Garlic: A staple in any pesto, garlic adds depth of flavor.
Pepitas: These add a unique crunch and subtly sweet, nutty flavor to the pesto.
Olive oil: Helps to blend the pesto and adds a smooth, rich flavor.
One reader, Carole Mock says:
This summertime pasta salad is a game-changer! The combination of fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, and zesty jalapeño pesto is a burst of flavors. The whole grain pasta adds a nice texture, and the feta gives it a creamy finish. It's a hit at every summer gathering!
Key Techniques for Making Pasta Salad
How to cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until it is al dente, following the package instructions.
How to make the jalapeño herb pesto: Combine the herbs, jalapeño, lemon, garlic, and salt in a food processor. Add the pepitas and pulse a few times. While the machine is running, drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is well blended, scraping down the bowl as necessary.
How to toast pepitas: Toast the pepitas in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they make little popping noises and turn lightly golden on the edges. Set them aside to cool.
How to toss the pasta with pesto: Pour enough pesto into the pasta to lightly coat it once tossed. Add a small splash of pasta cooking water and toss well to combine.
How to serve the pasta salad: Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl and add the drained black beans, sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh corn, and feta or avocado. Stir until combined. This salad tastes best after it has had a chance to marinate for about 30 minutes, or it can be served immediately if needed.
How To Make Summertime Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Corn and Jalapeño Pesto
This 30-minute pasta salad is packed with refreshing summer flavors. It’s tossed with tomatoes, corn, and a fresh herb pesto with jalapeno and cilantro.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Pasta Salad:
- ½lbwhole grain bow-tie pasta,or rotini or penne
- 15ozblack beans,(1 can) or 1½ cups cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
- 10ozcherry tomatoes,(1 pint), sliced into thin rounds
- ½cupfresh corn kernels,(1 ear fresh corn), shucked
- ¾cupcrumbled feta,or diced avocado
For Jalapeño Herb Pesto:
- 1cuplightly packed fresh parsley
- 1cuplightly packed fresh cilantro,or basil
- 2medium jalapeños,roughly chopped, remove seeds and membranes for less heat, optional
- 1medium lemon,juiced
- 1clovegarlic,medium, roughly chopped
- ½tspsalt
- ½cuppepitas (green pumpkin seeds),or slivered almonds
- ½cupolive oil
- freshly ground black pepper,to taste
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package directions.
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Before draining, reserve about a cup of the cooking water. Drain and return to pot. Set aside.
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Toast the pepitas in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are making little popping noises and turning lightly golden on the edges. Set aside to cool a bit.
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To make the pesto, combine the herbs, jalapeño, lemon, garlic, and salt in a food processor. Pour in the pepitas.
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Pulse a few times and then run the machine while drizzling in the olive oil until the mixture is well blended, scraping down the bowl as necessary.
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Pour enough pesto into the pasta to lightly coat it once tossed. Add a small splash of pasta cooking water and toss well.
-
Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl and add the drained black beans, sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh corn, and feta or avocado. Stir until combined.
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This salad tastes best after it’s had a chance to marinate for about 30 minutes or serve it right away if need be.
Nutrition
- Calories: 511.36kcal
- Fat: 21.61g
- Saturated Fat: 4.92g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.84g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.55g
- Carbohydrates: 61.56g
- Fiber: 11.03g
- Sugar: 4.20g
- Protein: 20.47g
- Cholesterol: 12.52mg
- Sodium: 287.92mg
- Calcium: 165.80mg
- Potassium: 1106.22mg
- Iron: 4.54mg
- Vitamin A: 73.94µg
- Vitamin C: 23.61mg
Pro Tip for Elevating Your summertime pasta salad with tomatoes, corn and jalapeño pesto recipe
When making the jalapeño pesto, it's important to adjust the amount of jalapeño to your personal heat preference. If you prefer a milder pesto, remove the seeds and veins from the jalapeño before adding it to the food processor. For a spicier pesto, leave them in. Remember, it's easier to add more heat later, so start with less and add more if needed.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing summertime pasta salad with tomatoes, corn and jalapeño pesto recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, cook pasta, and make the pesto in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned black beans to save time on soaking and cooking.
Multitask: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto and chop the vegetables to maximize efficiency.
Invest in a food processor: Using a food processor to make the pesto will save time and effort compared to chopping and blending by hand.
Make extra: Consider doubling the recipe to have leftovers for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
One-pot cooking: Choose a large pot to cook the pasta and use the same pot to mix the salad ingredients, reducing the number of dishes to wash.
Frozen corn: Use frozen corn kernels instead of fresh for a time-saving alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Substitute Ingredients For Summertime Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Corn and Jalapeño Pesto Recipe
whole grain bow-tie pasta - Substitute with gluten-free pasta: Gluten-free pasta is a suitable alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
black beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans have a similar texture and flavor, making them a suitable replacement for black beans in this recipe.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are a smaller variety with a similar sweet flavor and can be used as a substitute for cherry tomatoes.
fresh corn kernels - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn can be used as a convenient substitute when fresh corn is not in season or readily available.
crumbled feta - Substitute with crumbled goat cheese: Goat cheese offers a tangy and creamy alternative to feta, adding a different flavor profile to the pasta salad.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can provide a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the pesto while still complementing the other ingredients.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh mint: Fresh mint can add a refreshing and aromatic twist to the pesto, offering a unique flavor profile.
jalapeños - Substitute with serrano peppers: Serrano peppers provide a similar level of heat and flavor, making them a suitable alternative to jalapeños in the pesto.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime can offer a slightly different citrusy tang to the pesto, adding a refreshing twist to the flavor profile.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to garlic, offering a unique twist to the pesto.
pepitas (green pumpkin seeds) - Substitute with pine nuts: Pine nuts can offer a rich and buttery flavor, adding a different texture and taste to the pesto.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can provide a mild and buttery flavor, offering a different dimension to the pesto while still providing a healthy fat source.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can offer a milder and slightly different flavor compared to black pepper, adding a unique twist to the pesto.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Pasta Salad
Elevate the pasta: Carefully twirl the pasta into a neat mound using tongs, ensuring it is evenly distributed on the plate.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and parsley over the pasta to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate a touch of elegance with feta: Crumble the feta over the pasta in an artful manner, creating a visually appealing contrast against the vibrant colors of the dish.
Create a symmetrical arrangement of cherry tomatoes: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them in a circular pattern around the pasta, adding a visually striking element to the dish.
Add a drizzle of jalapeño pesto: Using a small spoon, delicately drizzle the jalapeño pesto in a zigzag pattern over the pasta, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Incorporate a pop of color with fresh corn kernels: Sprinkle the fresh corn kernels over the pasta, ensuring they are evenly distributed to create a visually appealing contrast.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace simplicity by allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the ingredients to take center stage, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making summertime pasta salad with tomatoes, corn and jalapeño pesto recipe
- Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the pasta and cooking it until al dente.
- Skillet: A skillet is used for toasting the pepitas until they are lightly golden and making popping noises.
- Food processor: This is used to blend the herbs, jalapeño, lemon, garlic, and pepitas into a smooth pesto.
- Serving bowl: A large serving bowl is needed to toss and serve the pasta salad.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Pasta Salad
This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, it's best to store the pesto separately and mix it with the pasta just before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much moisture and becoming soggy.
To keep the tomatoes and corn fresh and crisp, you can store them separately and add them to the salad just before serving.
If you have leftover pesto, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, spoon the pesto into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
While it's possible to freeze the assembled pasta salad, it's not recommended as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may become mushy upon thawing. It's best to enjoy this salad fresh or store it in the refrigerator for a few days.
How To Reheat Leftover Pasta Salad
- To reheat leftover summertime pasta salad, start by placing the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Microwave the pasta salad on high power for 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pasta to become mushy and the vegetables to lose their texture.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta salad in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or water to the pan to help loosen the pesto and prevent sticking. Stir the salad gently as it reheats, until it is warmed through evenly.
- If the pasta salad seems dry after reheating, you can add a small amount of reserved pasta cooking water, olive oil, or fresh lemon juice to help revitalize the flavors and improve the texture.
- For a cold serving option, allow the refrigerated pasta salad to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to develop and the pasta to soften slightly.
- If you find that the vegetables have lost some of their crispness during storage, you can add freshly chopped cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, or jalapeños to the reheated salad for added texture and flavor.
- Lastly, taste the reheated pasta salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a sprinkle of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a touch more jalapeño pesto to brighten up the flavors before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Pasta Salads
Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, and herbs, making it a perfect option for potlucks and picnics.
Budget-Friendly: Making Pasta Salad at Home
This summertime pasta salad with tomatoes, corn and jalapeño pesto recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as pasta, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, feta, parsley, cilantro, jalapeños, lemon, garlic, pepitas, olive oil, are relatively affordable and widely available. The use of seasonal produce like tomatoes and corn also adds to the cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Summertime Pasta Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?
This summertime pasta salad recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. Here's why:
- The whole grain bow-tie pasta provides complex carbohydrates and fiber, which are essential for sustained energy and digestive health.
- Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
- Cherry tomatoes and fresh corn add a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dish.
- The jalapeño herb pesto is packed with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Jalapeños contain capsaicin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like zinc and magnesium.
- Olive oil, used in the pesto, is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat that can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of feta cheese or replace it with a lower-fat alternative like crumbled tofu or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the added saturated fat.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the salad by adding diced bell peppers, cucumber, or roasted zucchini to boost the fiber and nutrient content.
- Experiment with different types of whole grain pasta, such as quinoa or lentil pasta, to vary the texture and nutritional profile of the dish.
- If you prefer a milder pesto, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños to reduce the heat while still retaining the flavor and health benefits.
Editor's Take on This Vibrant Summertime Pasta Salad
The combination of fresh, vibrant flavors in this summertime pasta salad is a delightful treat for the taste buds. The jalapeño herb pesto adds a zesty kick, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and corn. The addition of black beans and feta provides a satisfying depth of flavor and texture. This recipe is a wonderful balance of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, making it a perfect dish for a summer gathering or a light, refreshing meal.
Enhance Your Summertime Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Corn and Jalapeño Pesto Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Summertime Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Corn and Jalapeño Pesto Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, showcasing the vibrant essence of summer. The whole grain bow-tie pasta provides a hearty base, while the jalapeño herb pesto adds a zesty kick. The combination of cherry tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, and crumbled feta offers a burst of freshness and creaminess. The black beans contribute a satisfying protein element. The pesto, made with fresh parsley, cilantro, and jalapeños, brings a harmonious blend of herbs and heat. This recipe promises a tantalizing experience that celebrates the essence of summer.
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