11 Nut-Free Pesto Pasta Salads for School Lunch Bags

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Classic Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

Classic Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

This Classic Basil Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and revitalizing dish that combines the rich flavors of homemade basil pesto with al dente pasta and a mix of vegetables. It’s a perfect choice for a light lunch, a picnic, or as a side dish at barbecues and gatherings, all while being completely nut-free!

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool.
2. In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper until well combined.
4. Adjust seasoning if needed, and chill in the refrigerator before serving for ideal flavor. Enjoy!

Spinach and Arugula Pesto Pasta Salad

This Spinach and Arugula Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful and nutritious twist on traditional pasta salads. The peppery flavor of arugula combined with the mildness of spinach creates a vibrant, green pesto that perfectly coats the pasta, resulting in a light yet satisfying meal or side dish. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy fresh greens in a delicious, nut-free form.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a food processor, blend spinach, arugula, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and salt until smooth.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, mixing until well coated.
4. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then chill in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy!

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad is a flavorful and colorful dish that brings together the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the richness of olive oil and garlic. This nut-free pesto adds a delicious twist to your pasta salad, making it an ideal option for gatherings, picnics, or a simple weeknight meal. With its vibrant presentation and hearty ingredients, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a food processor, blend sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and salt until smooth.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto, cherry tomatoes, and chopped kale or spinach, mixing until well coated.
4. Adjust seasoning to taste, then chill in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy!

Roasted Vegetable Pesto Pasta Salad

Roasted Vegetable Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines the flavors of seasonal roasted vegetables with a creamy, nut-free pesto. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for barbecues and gatherings, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it a favorite for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until golden and tender.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool.
3. In a food processor, blend the basil, garlic, nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables, cooked pasta, and pesto, mixing until well coated. Add cherry tomatoes and spinach, gently tossing everything together.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm or chilled. Enjoy!

Broccoli Pesto Pasta Salad

Broccoli Pesto Pasta Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with a creamy, nut-free broccoli pesto. This vibrant salad is packed with the goodness of broccoli and is perfect as a light meal or a side dish. The bright green color and fresh flavors make it a delightful addition to any table.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and cool.
2. In a steamer or pot, steam the broccoli florets for about 4-5 minutes until vibrant green and tender.
3. In a food processor, combine the steamed broccoli, basil, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli pesto, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, tossing until everything is well mixed.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm or chilled. Enjoy!

Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta Salad is a rejuvenating and zesty dish that combines the bright flavors of lemon and fresh basil with pasta for a delightful and nut-free meal. This salad is not only easy to make but also perfect for warm weather, picnics, or as a side for any gathering. The vibrant pesto dressing elevates the dish with a burst of vitality, making it a favorite among pasta lovers.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and let it cool.
2. In a food processor, blend together the basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the pesto.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, lemon basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls (if using), and spinach, tossing gently to mix.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary; serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad

Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad is a creamy and delicious option that offers a nutritious twist on traditional pesto. Utilizing ripe avocados as a base, this pesto adds a rich texture that pairs perfectly with pasta and fresh vegetables, making it an ideal choice for healthy meal prep, potlucks, or a satisfying lunch. With its vibrant green color and fresh flavors, this dish is sure to please both avocado lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a food processor, combine the ripe avocados, basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, blending until smooth to create the avocado pesto.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, avocado pesto, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and spinach, tossing gently to combine.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Chickpea Pesto Pasta Salad

Chickpea Pesto Pasta Salad is a wholesome and protein-packed dish that combines the deliciousness of pesto with the heartiness of chickpeas and pasta. This vibrant salad is perfect for meal prep, summer gatherings, or a satisfying lunch, providing both nutrition and flavor. The chickpeas add a unique texture and boost of protein, making it a hearty and filling option for everyone.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a food processor, blend together the basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth to make the pesto.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and spinach, then gently mix in the pesto until everything is well coated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Zucchini Noodle Pesto Salad

Zucchini Noodle Pesto Salad is a rejuvenating and light alternative to traditional pasta salads, making it an excellent choice for warm days or as a healthy side dish. This vibrant salad uses spiralized zucchini as a base, tossed with a nut-free pesto and fresh vegetables, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors without the carbs.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a food processor, blend the basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the pesto.
2. In a large bowl, combine the spiralized zucchini with cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion.
3. Pour the pesto over the vegetables and gently toss until well coated.
4. Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavors. Enjoy!

Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, and a flavorful nut-free pesto. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a wholesome lunch, this salad is packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, making it a satisfying meal any time of the year.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and red bell pepper.
3. Add the nut-free pesto and olive oil, tossing gently to combine and make sure everything is well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and invigorating dish that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with a nut-free pesto twist. It features a colorful array of vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and al dente pasta, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish at gatherings. This salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, ensuring that you’ll want to make it time and again.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
3. Stir in the nut-free pesto and olive oil, mixing until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!