Creamy Spinach Basil Ziti Salad
This Creamy Spinach Basil Ziti Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Made with al dente pasta, fresh spinach, and aromatic basil, it’s tossed in a creamy garlic mayonnaise dressing that elevates the flavors beautifully. Served in a bowl lined with vibrant spinach leaves, this salad is not just visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Ideal as a light lunch or a side dish at summer gatherings, you'll love the contrast of textures and the herbaceous flavor profile. This recipe, inspired by Better Homes and Gardens, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
N/A
Servings
137
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti or Rigatoni Pasta
8 ounces (cooked, drained, and rinsed)
Fresh Spinach Leaves
1 cup (lightly packed)
Fresh Basil Leaves
1/4 cup (lightly packed)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Shredded Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons (for blending)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (for blending)
Water
1 tablespoon (for blending)
Light Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (for dressing)
Instructions
1
Cook the ziti or rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2
In a blender, combine the fresh spinach, basil, garlic, shredded parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
3
Add the olive oil and water to the blender, then cover and blend again until fully incorporated.
4
Transfer the spinach mixture to a mixing bowl and fold in the light mayonnaise until well combined.
5
In a large bowl, combine the pasta with the creamy spinach mixture, tossing well to ensure all pasta is evenly coated.
6
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl lined with fresh spinach leaves for presentation.
7
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight to allow flavors to meld together.
8
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5.6g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach Basil Ziti Salad?
It is a refreshing pasta dish made with al dente ziti or rigatoni, fresh spinach, and aromatic basil tossed in a creamy garlic mayonnaise dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 8 ounces of either Ziti or Rigatoni pasta.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 137 calories.
Is this spinach basil ziti salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 5.6 grams of fat per serving.
What are the primary herbs used in this salad?
The primary herbs used are fresh basil leaves and fresh spinach leaves.
How long should the salad be chilled before serving?
The salad should be chilled for at least 4 hours, though ideally overnight to let flavors meld.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light mayonnaise?
Yes, while the recipe calls for light mayonnaise to keep it lighter, regular mayonnaise can be substituted.
What is the protein content of this salad?
The salad provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of cheese is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of shredded parmesan cheese for blending into the dressing.
Do I need to cook the spinach?
No, the spinach leaves are used fresh and blended into a paste for the dressing.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of rinsing the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor and texture in the blended herb paste.
How do I prepare the spinach for the salad base?
The salad is served in a bowl lined with fresh, vibrant spinach leaves for presentation.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil is blended with the herb mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
What is the recommended preparation for the parmesan cheese?
The parmesan cheese should be shredded before being added to the blender.
What blender mixture creates the creamy base?
The base is made by blending spinach, basil, garlic, parmesan, salt, pepper, olive oil, and water into a paste.
Is this salad suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal side dish for summer gatherings and light lunches.
What is the total amount of pasta needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of dry pasta.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Better Homes and Gardens.
Can I substitute the water in the dressing?
The 1 tablespoon of water is used for blending consistency, but you could use a little extra olive oil if preferred.
Is there any fiber or sugar data available?
The specific fiber and sugar counts are not provided for this recipe.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or to taste.
What texture should the herb mixture have?
The spinach and basil should be blended until they form a smooth paste.
Should the salad be served warm?
No, this is a pasta salad that is intended to be served chilled.
How do I incorporate the mayonnaise?
Fold the light mayonnaise into the blended spinach mixture until well combined before tossing with the pasta.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pasta salad, spinach, basil, creamy dressing, light meal, vegetarian, summer salad, and fresh ingredients.