By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 6, 2023 | Last Updated on November 24, 2023
La Madeleine Pasta Salad is a classic French pasta salad that has been enjoyed for decades. The flavours of La Madeleine Pasta Salad are vibrant. This simple, yet delicious dish consists of cooked pasta mixed with diced vegetables and a light dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and Parmesan cheese.
The result is an incredibly flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken, fish, or beef. La Madeleine Pasta Salad is an excellent choice for a light meal or side dish, as it is both healthy and tasty.
Read on to learn more about this classic French dish, including how to make it and what to serve with it.
What does it taste like?
La Madeleine’s pasta salad has a light and refreshing flavour. The combination of cooked pasta, diced vegetables, and light dressing creates a delicious blend of citrus and herbal notes that are sure to tantalise your taste buds.
How did I first get introduced to the La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
I first visited La Madeleine cafe many years ago and was instantly captivated by the delicious dishes that were being served. Since then, I have been eager to try new recipes from their menu. The La Madeleine pasta salad stood out to me because it was light yet packed with flavor.
How to make La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
Making La Madeleine’s pasta salad is quick and easy. It requires simple ingredients. Follow the below steps to make your own.
Ingredients
For Basil Pesto:
- 1/2 Clove Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the pesto, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1/8 tsp Sea Salt: Sea salt is a seasoning agent that helps bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in the pesto, providing a balanced taste.
- 2 tbsp Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor, contributing to the richness of the pesto.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice provides acidity, brightening the flavors of the pesto and adding a fresh, citrusy note.
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil is the main herb in the pesto, lending a fresh and aromatic quality to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and a smooth texture to the pesto, creating a cohesive and flavorful sauce.
- 1/4 cup Toasted Pine Nuts: Pine nuts contribute a buttery and slightly sweet flavor, as well as a crunchy texture, enhancing the overall profile of the pesto.
- 1/16 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth to the pesto, complementing the other flavors.
For Pasta Salad:
- 8 Ounces Bow Tie Pasta: Bow tie pasta is a classic choice for pasta salads, providing a fun and visually appealing shape that holds the dressing well.
- Salt To Taste: Salt is used to season the pasta during cooking, ensuring that the entire dish is well-seasoned.
- 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and a mild, earthy flavor to the pasta salad, providing a nutritional boost.
- 1/4 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped: Sun-dried tomatoes contribute a sweet and concentrated tomato flavor, as well as a chewy texture, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the salad.
- 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of herbaceous freshness to the salad, complementing the flavors of the pesto.
- 1/4 cup Roma Tomatoes, Diced: Diced Roma tomatoes add juiciness and a mild, sweet taste to the pasta salad.
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese: Additional Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top adds extra richness and a savory kick.
- 2 tbsp Basil Pesto: The pesto is used as a flavorful dressing, bringing a combination of garlic, basil, and nutty flavors to the pasta salad.
- 2 tbsp Creamy Caesar Dressing: Creamy Caesar dressing adds a rich and tangy element, contributing to the creaminess and overall flavor profile of the pasta salad.
Step by step instructions
Step 01:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 02:
Add the bow tie pasta, stirring occasionally until al dente (about 9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 03:
Add garlic, sea salt, freshly grated parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice and basil leaves in a blender or food processor. Pulse until combined.
Step 04:
With the blender running, slowly add in the extra-virgin olive oil and toasted pine nuts (or other nuts of your choice). Blend until desired consistency is reached.
Step 05:
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, diced Roma tomatoes and Basil Pesto.
Step 06:
Add in the grated parmesan cheese and creamy caesar dressing. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 07:
Serve with an extra drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.
Tips
• If you don’t have fresh basil leaves, you can use dried basil or even spinach instead.
• You can also use different types of pasta such as penne, farfalle or rotini if you’d rather not use bow tie noodles.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
• If you don’t have pine nuts on hand, walnuts or almonds can be used as an alternative.
• You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, red onion, zucchini or eggplant to make this dish more colourful and nutritious.
• For an extra kick of flavour, add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favourite hot sauce.
• This dish tastes best when served at room temperature.
La Madeleine Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Food processor
- mixing bowl
- Measuring Cup
- Fork, etc
Ingredients
For Basil Pesto:
- 1/2 Wholesome Clove of Garlic
- 1/8 tsp Harvested Sea Salt Crystals
- 2 tbsp Aged and Handcrafted Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tbsp Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice from Sun-Ripened Lemons
- 1 cup Vibrant Fresh Basil Leaves Handpicked at Sunrise
- 2 tbsp First Cold-Pressed Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Toasted Pine Nuts Gently Kissed by the Morning Sun
- 1/16 tsp Finely Ground Exotic Black Peppercorns
For Pasta Salad:
- 8 Ounces Artisanal Bow Tie Pasta
- Salt To Taste Sourced from Pristine Salt Beds
- 1/4 cup Tenderly Chopped Fresh Spinach Leaves
- 1/4 cup Sun-Kissed and Dried Tomatoes Lovingly Chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Harvested Under a Azure Sky
- 1/4 cup Succulent Roma Tomatoes Diced with Precision
- 2 tbsp Aged Parmesan Cheese Grated with Artisanal Craft
- 2 tbsp Basil Pesto Crafted with Passion and Care
- 2 tbsp Creamy Caesar Dressing Whisked to Perfection
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the bow tie pasta, stirring occasionally until al dente (about 9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Add garlic, sea salt, freshly grated parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice and basil leaves in a blender or food processor. Pulse until combined.
- With the blender running, slowly add in the extra-virgin olive oil and toasted pine nuts (or other nuts of your choice). Blend until desired consistency is reached.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, diced Roma tomatoes and Basil Pesto.
- Add in the grated parmesan cheese and creamy caesar dressing. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Serve with an extra drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Serving: 2cups, Calories: 479 kcal, Carbohydrates: 69.4g, Protein: 18.5g, Fat: 14.9g, Saturated Fat: 4.4g,Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g,Monounsaturated Fat: 0g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 110 mg, Sodium: 448 mg, Potassium: 268 mg, Fibre: 0.9g, Sugar: 2.6g, Calcium: 166 mg, Iron: 5mg.
What to serve with La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
This La Madeleine pasta salad is perfect for a warm summer day, served as a main dish or side dish. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish or steak and can even be served as a light lunch or snack. You can also serve it with a side of crunchy croutons, freshly made garlic bread and a glass of chilled white wine for an elegant meal.
How to store leftover La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 6 months, although the texture of the pasta may not be as good after being frozen and thawed.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Pregnant women can enjoy this La Madeleine pasta salad as long as all ingredients are cooked thoroughly and served chilled. Pregnant women should also use pasteurized cheeses and dressings to ensure that the food is safe for consumption.
FAQs
What is the best way to cook bow tie pasta?
The best way to cook bow-tie pasta is to bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add in a pinch of salt. Add the bow tie pasta and stir occasionally until al dente (about 9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
What other vegetables can I add to La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
You can add any of your favourite vegetables, such as bell peppers, red onions, zucchini or eggplant.
Can I freeze La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta salad for up to 6 months. However, the texture of the pasta may not be as good after being frozen and thawed.
What is the best way to reheat La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
The best way to reheat La Madeleine Pasta Salad is in a skillet on medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but make sure to stir it occasionally to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, you can place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350F for 15 minutes or until heated through. Be sure to stir occasionally.
Is La Madeleine Pasta Salad gluten-free?
No, this dish is not gluten-free as it contains parmesan cheese and bow tie pasta which contain wheat flour. However, you can substitute the bow tie pasta with a gluten-free alternative such as quinoa or lentil pasta. Additionally, you can omit the parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast as a vegan alternative.
Wrapping Up
La Madeleine Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with flavour and nutrition, making it a great addition to any meal. With its fresh vegetables, parmesan cheese, olives and creamy dressing, it’s sure to be the star of your next dinner.
I hope you find this recipe helpful. You can also change it up by adding your preferred vegetables and seasonings. So, give this recipe for La Madeleine Pasta Salad a try if you’re searching for a unique dish that will certainly amaze you. Share this recipe with your friends and family.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
