Please note: I received compensation from Alka-Seltzer® to write this post. All opinions are entirely my own. #MyFoodMoment #CollectiveBias
For my family, “spicy” isn’t just a flavor preference; it’s a way of life! We’re not just fans of a little heat; we actively seek out bold, fiery dishes and consider hot sauce an essential condiment for nearly every meal. As the weather warms up, my culinary creativity often turns to refreshing yet zesty options to infuse our salads, salsas, and dips with an exhilarating kick. That’s precisely why this Jalapeño Pesto Pasta Salad has become a cherished staple in our household – it’s the ultimate solution for satisfying our collective spicy cravings in the most delicious and vibrant way!
Elevate Your Meals with Zesty Homemade Jalapeño Pesto
The star of this incredible pasta salad is undoubtedly the homemade jalapeño pesto. Bursting with fresh flavors, this vibrant green sauce is surprisingly versatile and can transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. Beyond just pasta, imagine its bright, herbaceous, and spicy notes on grilled chicken, flaky fish, or mixed into roasted vegetables for an unexpected twist. I even love to spread it on my morning eggs for a flavorful breakfast boost that truly wakes up the palate! It’s so good, I often whip up an extra batch just to keep in the fridge, ready to add a gourmet touch to countless dishes throughout the week. This pesto isn’t just a component of a recipe; it’s a culinary game-changer, offering an effortless way to infuse depth and excitement into your everyday cooking.
Why Our Jalapeño Pesto Pasta Salad is a Crowd-Pleaser
Pasta salads are a beloved classic for a reason: they are incredibly easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply looking for a delightful side dish for a weeknight dinner, a well-made pasta salad is always a hit. Our Jalapeño Pesto Pasta Salad takes this convenience to the next level by infusing it with bold, fresh flavors that truly stand out. The combination of al dente pasta, the zesty homemade pesto, sweet corn, and protein-rich black beans creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and invigorating, offering a welcome departure from more traditional pasta salad recipes. This particular recipe has quickly become a top request at family gatherings and a personal favorite for its effortless preparation and unforgettable taste profile.
Enjoying Spicy Foods Without the Worry: A Personal Approach
While my family and I adore embracing the thrill of spicy cuisine, we also have to be realistic about the occasional consequences. The joy of a fiery meal can sometimes be followed by the discomfort of indigestion or heartburn, a reality many spicy food enthusiasts can relate to. As busy parents, my husband and I are no strangers to these occasional challenges, which is why we’ve discovered an invaluable ally: the all-new Alka-Seltzer® PM Gummies. These gummies are a game-changer for us, offering the ONLY fast relief of occasional heartburn combined with relief for occasional sleeplessness. This unique dual-action formula allows us to fully savor our favorite spicy dishes, knowing we have effective relief at hand.
Like many busy individuals juggling work, family, and life’s demands, there are nights when winding down and falling asleep feels like an uphill battle. Whether it’s the lingering buzz from an afternoon coffee or simply being overly stimulated and overtired, achieving restful sleep can be a struggle. This is where Alka-Seltzer® PM Gummies truly shine. They don’t just put occasional heartburn to rest quickly; with the addition of melatonin, they also help me fall asleep more quickly and naturally. It’s a truly brilliant, all-in-one solution that addresses two common nighttime discomforts, allowing me to enjoy my spicy food moments and still get the restorative sleep I need. It’s an absolute necessity for our nighttime routine, ensuring we can truly relax after a flavorful day. Now, let’s get to the recipe for this incredible pasta salad!
Jalapeño Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces Gemelli pasta (or your favorite short pasta shape)
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1½ cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 7 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin recommended
- 3 medium jalapeños, stemmed and roughly chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2-3 cloves fresh garlic)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 15 ounces sweet corn, canned or frozen (thawed), drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
Instructions:
Homemade Jalapeño Pesto
- Begin by preparing your fresh jalapeño pesto. In the bowl of a food processor or a high-speed blender, combine the fresh basil, cilantro, chopped jalapeños (adjust quantity and seed removal based on desired heat level), and garlic powder (or fresh garlic cloves). Puree until the mixture is finely chopped and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to the basil mixture. Pulse again to thoroughly combine all the ingredients, ensuring the cheese is well integrated.
- With the food processor or blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the 7 tablespoons of olive oil. Continue to blend until the pesto is smooth, emulsified, and reaches a vibrant green color. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Set aside.
Pasta Salad Assembly
- Cook the Gemelli pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps the salad maintain a good texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the drained sweet corn and the rinsed black beans.
- Pour the freshly made jalapeño pesto over the pasta and other ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful pesto.
- Finally, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the salad. Gently fold them in to avoid crushing them, distributing their fresh sweetness throughout the dish.
This delightful Jalapeño Pesto Pasta Salad can be served chilled for a refreshing summer dish or at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence and flavor, feel free to top it with a generous sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese before serving. For those who enjoy an even bolder flavor, a dash of red pepper flakes can be added. This recipe is also incredibly flexible – consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal, or incorporate other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and nutrition. It’s the perfect dish to customize to your family’s liking!
Ready to Experience Dual Relief?
If you’re like us and want to enjoy your favorite foods (especially the spicy ones!) without the worry of occasional heartburn or restless nights, then it’s time to try the new Alka-Seltzer® PM Gummies for yourself. This innovative solution offers fast-acting relief for heartburn combined with melatonin to help you fall asleep. Don’t let discomfort stand in the way of your favorite meals or a good night’s rest. Click here to access a valuable coupon that will save you $1 off any Alka-Seltzer® product!
This Jalapeño Pesto Pasta Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor bold flavors, gather with loved ones, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a delicious, homemade meal. And with a little help from Alka-Seltzer® PM Gummies, you can indulge without reservation. So go ahead, whip up a batch, gather your family, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Don’t forget to pin this incredible Jalapeño Pesto Pasta Salad recipe for later, so you can revisit this spicy, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish whenever the craving strikes!
