Teresa's Recipes
Veggie Pesto Pasta Salad
Bright, vibrant, and full of flavor, this Veggie Pesto Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for summer picnics or a light lunch. Tossed with a creamy homemade pesto made from fresh basil and pine nuts, the salad features a medley of crunchy vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. This dish not only looks stunning but also offers a refreshing taste experience, making it a delightful choice for both vegetarians and pasta lovers alike. Historically, pesto originated in the Liguria region of Italy, where it was traditionally made using a mortar and pestle, hence its name. This modern take brings it to the forefront of pasta salads, allowing you to enjoy a classic Italian flavor in a fresh, new way.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Pasta (fusilli or penne recommended)
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1, diced Cucumber
- 1, diced (any color) Bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped Red onion
- 1/2 cup, sliced Black olives
- 2 cups, packed Fresh basil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 cup, toasted Pine nuts
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4-6
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and sliced black olives.
- Prepare the pesto by adding fresh basil, garlic, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the pasta and vegetables in the bowl. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the pesto.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve chilled, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.