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To make a great pesto pasta salad, you need some key items. Here are the main ingredients: - 8 oz (225 g) whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest and juice of 1 lemon These ingredients work together to create a fresh and tasty dish. You can also add some optional ingredients to make your salad pop. Here are a few ideas: - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced - 1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp - 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped - Fresh spinach or arugula for extra greens These options will give your salad extra layers of flavor and texture. This pesto pasta salad is not just tasty; it also packs a nutritional punch. Here's a quick look: - Whole wheat pasta adds fiber. - Basil is full of vitamins A and K. - Olive oil provides healthy fats. - Tomatoes and cucumbers add hydration and vitamins. Each serving contains about 300 calories, depending on your added ingredients. This makes it a good choice for a light meal or side dish. Enjoy making this dish with the full recipe! To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to it. Bring the water to a boil. Once it boils, add your whole wheat pasta. Cook according to the package time until it's al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely. Now, let’s make fresh pesto. Grab a food processor and add the fresh basil leaves. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. Toss in the minced garlic too. Pulse these ingredients until they are finely chopped. While the processor runs, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil. This will make your pesto smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Taste it and adjust if needed. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Now, add in the delicious homemade pesto. Stir gently to coat every piece of pasta and veggie. To add a fresh zing, squeeze in the juice of one lemon. Mix everything again to blend the flavors. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives time for the flavors to come together. Your pesto pasta salad is now ready to enjoy! To make great pesto, use fresh basil. Choose bright green leaves, not brown ones. Toast your pine nuts lightly for more flavor. This step brings out their natural oils. Blend the basil, Parmesan, garlic, and nuts until fine. Then, slowly add olive oil while mixing. This creates a creamy texture. Taste it! Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon zest to suit your liking. Serve your pesto pasta salad cold or at room temp. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. A crusty bread or garlic bread complements the salad well. You can also add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce wraps. This adds crunch and freshness. Avoid overcooking your pasta. It should be al dente for the best bite. Do not skip rinsing it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down. Be careful not to add too much olive oil. It can make your pesto too oily and heavy. Finally, taste as you go. Adjust flavors throughout the process. These tips will enhance your dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta to change the dish. Try using gluten-free pasta if you want. Or, use chickpea pasta for a protein boost. You could also use zoodles, which are spiralized zucchini. They make a fresh and light base for the salad. To make the salad heartier, add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well with pesto. You can also use canned chickpeas for a plant-based option. Cubed mozzarella or feta cheese adds a creamy touch. Just mix in your choice after combining the salad ingredients. For a vegan twist, skip the Parmesan cheese. Instead, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add avocado for creaminess. Make sure your pesto uses no cheese. Blend basil, nuts, garlic, and olive oil for a fresh sauce. To store leftover pesto pasta salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to press out any air before sealing. This helps keep the salad fresh for longer. You can also cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. When stored properly, pesto pasta salad stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. After that, the ingredients might lose their crunch and flavor. Check for any signs of spoilage before you eat it. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. If you have extra pesto, you can freeze it for later use. Pour the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can easily add a cube to future dishes. Use frozen pesto within three months for the best flavor. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and still tastes great. Just check the label for quality. Choose one with fresh ingredients. This option can help if you are in a hurry. However, homemade pesto gives a richer flavor. You can keep pesto pasta salad in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store it in a tight container. This keeps it fresh and helps the flavors stay strong. If you find the pasta gets soggy, add a little more pesto before serving. Pesto pasta salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a lighter touch, try sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes on the side. These sides add color and balance to your meal. Enjoy mixing and matching! Pesto pasta salad is easy to make and full of flavor. You learned about key ingredients, steps to cook the pasta, and how to create tasty pesto. Plus, I shared tips to help you avoid common mistakes and suggested fun variations for everyone. Remember, you can store leftovers in the fridge or freeze unused pesto. Enjoy this dish as a side or main meal. It’s fresh, healthy, and always a hit!

- Pesto Pasta Salad

Elevate your meal prep with this delicious Pesto Pasta Salad that’s simple to whip up and bursting with flavor! This recipe features fresh basil, nutritious whole wheat pasta, and vibrant veggies, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Discover easy steps, helpful tips, and mouthwatering variations that will impress your family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and transform your dining experience today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne)

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; set aside.

    Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest to taste.

      Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and the homemade pesto. Stir gently until the pasta and vegetables are well-coated with the pesto.

        Add Freshness: Squeeze in the juice of one lemon, and adjust seasoning if needed. Toss again to mix all the flavors.

          Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold or at room temperature.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | Serves 4-6