09/19/2026
Nut-free Pesto Pasta Salad
Is it even a picnic without a pasta salad?
This one doesn’t contain mayo or nuts so is a great option for an outdoor meal or for people with nut allergies.
Ingredients:
1 box farfalle pasta
2 zucchini, washed and quartered length-wise
1/2 cucumber, chopped small
1/2 red onion, minced
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Dressing:
1 big handful fresh basil
1 big handful fresh spinach or kale or parsley
1/4 cup fresh dill
1/4 cup pepitas
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
big pinch salt
Pepper to taste
1 head roasted garlic (or 1-2 garlic cloves)
Splash water
1/4 cup olive oil
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions and set aside.
Wash zucchini and cut into quarters, lengthwise.
Chop cucumber and onion.
Open can of chickpeas, drain and rinse.
Grill/fry zucchini until golden. Salt and let cool.
Now make the pesto dressing.
Add basil, kale, dill, pepitas, parm, vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic to a blender.
Add a splash of water and a bit of olive oil to help blend. Use the tamper to push everything down.
Once mostly blended, open the top (while blender is running), and pour in olive oil.
Blend until smooth. If still too thick, add water and pulse until it’s the consistency you like.
Time to make the salad!
Chop zucchini into bite size pieces.
To a large bowl, add pasta, zucchini, cucumber, onion, chickpeas, and dressing.
Toss until everything is combined.
To with more parm and fresh basil, if desired.
Excellent when made in advance. A great meal prep option for lunches!