This (aka your new fav) pasta salad is a flavourful, protein-packed dish perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or family dinners! The rich and tangy goat cheese pesto dressing is a really simple way to elevate that jar of pesto you have sitting in your pantry. Serve it chilled or warm, enjoy!

Pasta Salad Ingredients (serves 5-6):

  • 3 cups pasta of choice, cooked
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
  • 2 cans cured cod fillets in olive oil
  • 1/2 cup sundried cherry tomatoes in brine
  • Large handful of spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cucumber, chopped
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary

Goats Cheese Pesto Lemon Dressing:

  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 100g (1 package) goat cheese
  • 1 jar of pesto
  • 2 tbsp pasta water
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the Dressing:

  • Add the goat cheese, pesto, lemon juice, and pasta water to a blender.
  • Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

2. Prepare the Pasta Salad:

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cured cod fillets, sundried cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, red onion, cucumber, pumpkin seeds, and dried rosemary.

3. Assemble & Serve:

  • Pour the creamy goat cheese pesto dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
  • Serve immediately or store in the fridge for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions & Tips:

✔ Serve warm or chilled- this recipe works both ways!
✔ Swap cured cod fillets for canned tuna or grilled chicken for variation.
✔ Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or chili flakes for extra flavor.

Watch the video below!