Recipe Background
Picnic Pesto Salad offers a vibrant mix of flavors and textures, from creamy feta to crunchy cucumbers.
This Picnic Pesto Salad dances on the palate with its vibrant blend of fresh goodness. Fusilli, perfectly al dente, provides a satisfying chew that pairs seamlessly with the creamy tang of feta cheese. Artichoke hearts add a subtle earthiness, while cucumber and grape tomatoes bring a bright, cool crunch. The salad gets a briny punch from olives, making each bite both refreshing and rich in flavor.
An aromatic wave of basil fills the kitchen as pesto meets extra-virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar. The luscious dressing has just the right balance of herbaceousness and acidity. For best results, whisk the pesto with the olive oil until fully blended—this simple step ensures the dressing coats every single ingredient.
Sharing this dish is sheer joy. It radiates comfort and conviviality, perfect for outdoor gatherings or simple meals at home. Each serving invites a delightful medley of textures and tastes, creating an experience that lingers well beyond the last forkful.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fusilli or rotini
- 3/4 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 (8.5-ounce) can artichoke hearts drained and quartered
- 8 ounces feta cheese cubed
- 1 small cucumber chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives halved
Directions
- In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the fusilli to al dente, according to the package directions.
- Drain the fusilli and rinse it under cold water.
- Allow the fusilli to dry slightly.
- While the fusilli cooks, whisk the pesto with the olive oil, the vinegar, the salt, and the pepper in a small bowl.
- In another bowl, toss the fusilli with 4-5 tablespoons of the pesto dressing.
- Taste the salad and season with the salt.
- Add the artichoke hearts, the feta, the cucumber, the tomatoes, and the olives to the salad.
- Spoon the remaining dressing all over the top of the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve.
×