Description
Cold Pesto Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer dish, combining vibrant ingredients for a refreshing yet satisfying meal. This easy-to-make salad features al dente pasta tossed in creamy basil pesto, complemented by sweet cherry tomatoes and crunchy pine nuts. Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or quick lunches, this salad is not only visually appealing but also adaptable to your taste preferences. Unveil this delightful dish at your next event and watch it become the star of the show.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (or fusilli)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
- In a food processor, blend basil, garlic, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta and halved cherry tomatoes. Pour the pesto over and toss to combine.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper. Toss again.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cold Preparation
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg