Effortless Eats: La Madeleine Pasta Salad Recipe to Try at Home

When you bring together pasta and healthy greens, you've got one meal party in your bowl, much like the famous La Madeleine Pasta Salad, the recipe of which we present to you.

Eating healthy is crucial for many reasons—it keeps you well and helps prevent medical issues. Even though salads are usually seen as the go-to healthy option, there are times when we can't resist the allure of less healthy choices, like pasta.

Pasta is versatile, as it can be mixed with vegetables and can be served as a starter, side dish, or main course. One dish that does this and has won the hearts of pasta lovers is La Madeleine's pasta salad.

Unraveling La Madeleine's Signature Delight

La Madeleine, a restaurant launched in 1983 and with over 80 locations to date, brings a touch of French culinary expertise. They have a dish making waves online: the La Madeleine Pasta Salad.

Their signature pasta salad, featuring bowtie pasta, is packed with zesty flavors. This delightful blend includes pesto made from fresh basil leaves, grated cheese, tomatoes, and a creamy dressing.

Despite having numerous branches, you can still enjoy this meal without visiting any of them. You can easily recreate this dish at home with this recipe.

Jars of bowtie pasta | Source: Pexels

La Madeleine's Pasta Salad Recipe: A Step-By-Step Guide

La Madeleine Pasta Salad is not just tasty but also a breeze to prepare. Give this recipe a shot using the recommended ingredients and this step-by-step guide:

Equipment:

• food processor
• mixing bowl
• measuring cup
• fork, etc.

Ingredients for Basil Pesto:

• 1/2 clove garlic
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1/16 teaspoon ground black peppercorns

Ingredients for Pasta Salad:

• 8 ounces bow tie pasta
• salt to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup diced roma tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 2 tablespoons creamy caesar dressing

Instructions:

1. Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente or for about nine minutes. Drain the water and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, sea salt, freshly grated parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and basil leaves. Mix until they are well combined.
3. With the blender running, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil and toasted pine nuts (or other nuts of your choice). Blend until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, diced roma tomatoes, and basil pesto.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and creamy Caesar dressing.
6. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
7. Serve the pasta salad with an additional drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.

You can serve La Madeleine pasta salad with assorted side dishes such as roasted vegetables, grilled corn on the cob, or broccoli slaw with pecans and cranberries. To preserve any leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days.

By following this easy-to-follow recipe and using readily available ingredients, you can recreate this pasta salad at home for a wholesome and delicious dining experience.

Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese Recipe is another great idea for dinner.