Description
Savor the vibrant and refreshing flavors of Pesto Pasta Salad Exquisite, a delightful dish that combines the richness of homemade pesto with fresh vegetables. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals, this pasta salad is versatile and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber.
- In a food processor, blend basil pesto ingredients (basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil) until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooled pasta to the bowl with vegetables. Pour pesto dressing over the top and mix well.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the salad and toss again before serving.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg