Last Updated on July 16, 2023
La Madeleine Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish or main course that originated from the La Madeleine USA restaurant chain. It’s made with bow-tie pasta, fresh basil leaves, sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese and olive oil.
The combination of flavors and textures makes this pasta salad especially flavorful. La Madeleine USA is a French-inspired restaurant chain offering delicious food, friendly service, and an inviting atmosphere in the heart of every community they serve.
This dish is a great addition to any gathering or meal, and it’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners. It can be served cold or at room temperature and makes a great lunch the next day.
In this article, you’ll find all the ingredients and instructions needed to make La Madeleine Pasta Salad. We also include tips on how to store leftovers and what to serve with it.
What is La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
La Madeleine Pasta Salad is a combination of bow-tie pasta and other ingredients. It’s easy to make at home and can be served hot or cold.
This dish is perfect for any gathering or meal and makes for great leftovers the next day. It is sure to become a favorite in your household.
What does it taste like?
La Madeleine Pasta Salad has a unique flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet. The toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese add a nutty flavor, while the sun-dried tomatoes give it a hint of sweetness. The basil pesto and creamy Caesar dressing also add an extra layer of flavor to this dish that can’t be beaten.
How did I first get introduced to the La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
I was first introduced to La Madeleine Pasta Salad when I visited the La Madeleine USA restaurant chain. They have a delicious version of this dish that is served as a side or main course. The combination of flavors and textures makes it an ideal dish for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal dinners.
How to make La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
Making this delicious pasta salad is super easy and only requires a few simple ingredients.
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Ingredients
- ¼ tsp Sea Salt
- 4 tbsp Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
- 4 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ cup Toasted Pine Nuts
- ⅙ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 16 Ounces Bow Tie Pasta
- Salt To Taste
- ½ cup Chopped Fresh Spinach
- ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Chopped
- ¼ cup Basil Pesto
- ¼ cup Creamy Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup Chopped Fresh Basil
- ½ cup Roma Tomatoes Diced
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
Step by step instructions
Step 1
Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot with salted water until it’s al dente, approximately 12 minutes. Once cooked, strain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2
Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium heat and add in the pine nuts. Toast them until they become a golden brown, stirring often. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper and whisk until combined.
Step 3
Add in the fresh spinach leaves, sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the mixture. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto and creamy Caesar dressing. Stir until evenly combined.
Step 4
Add in the spinach mixture and chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir everything together gently until it is all incorporated. Transfer to a serving dish and top with the diced Roma tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
Tips
• To make this dish even more flavorful, try adding some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• If you want to cut down on the fat content, use light Caesar dressing instead of the regular dressing.
• Make sure you don’t overcook your pasta, as it can become mushy.
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp Sea Salt
- 4 tbsp Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
- 4 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ cup Toasted Pine Nuts
- ⅙ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 16 Ounces Bow Tie Pasta
- Salt To Taste
- ½ cup Chopped Fresh Spinach
- ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Chopped
- ¼ ¼ cup Basil Pesto
- ¼ cup Creamy Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup Chopped Fresh Basil
- ½ cup Roma Tomatoes Diced
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot with salted water until it’s al dente, approximately 12 minutes. Once cooked, strain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium heat and add in the pine nuts. Toast them until they become a golden brown, stirring often. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper and whisk until combined.
- Add in the fresh spinach leaves, sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the mixture. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto and creamy Caesar dressing. Stir until evenly combined.
- Add in the spinach mixture and chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir everything together gently until it is all incorporated. Transfer to a serving dish and top with the diced Roma tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
This dish is low in fat and calories, but does contain a good amount of protein and carbohydrates. A serving size of one cup contains approximately 250 calories, 8g of fat, 32g of carbohydrates, 8g of fiber and 12g of protein. It also has a good amount of iron, calcium and Vitamin A.
What to serve with La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
This dish is great as a side for any meal or can be eaten as a light lunch or dinner. It pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, fish or vegetables. You can also serve it with a salad or some crusty bread. Also, it makes a great addition to any party or potluck.
How to store leftover La Madeleine Pasta Salad?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze this dish for up to three months, but make sure you let it cool completely before freezing.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, this dish is safe for pregnant women as there are no ingredients that pose any health risks. However, it’s important to always follow the guidelines and recommendations of your doctor or midwife when it comes to pregnancy nutrition.
FAQs
Can I make this dish without the pesto?
Yes, you can make this dish without the pesto. Just add more of the other ingredients to add flavor and texture.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese and using a vegan-friendly Caesar dressing. You can also use nutritional yeast as a topping instead of Parmesan cheese.
Can I substitute the pine nuts for something else?
Yes, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts, almonds or cashews. Just make sure to toast them before adding them in.
What type of pasta should I use?
Any type of small, bite-sized pasta will work for this dish, such as bow tie or small shells.
Wrapping Up
La Madeleine Pasta Salad is a flavorful and easy dish that can be enjoyed as a side or light meal. With its fresh flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The best part is that it takes just minutes to prepare! Try this delicious recipe today and enjoy the flavorful combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and more.
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and be sure to not overcook the pasta for best results. This dish really holds up to La Madeleine’s reputation! Please share this recipe with your family and friends or leave a comment if you have any questions. Thank you.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
