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Fresh Pesto Pasta Salad

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A bright, herbaceous pasta salad featuring rotini tossed with fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon. Perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh basil pesto
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Juice of 1 small lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: toasted pine nuts or walnuts, fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. If making homemade pesto, blend fresh basil leaves (about 2 cups packed), 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1-2 garlic cloves, 1/3 cup olive oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If using store-bought pesto, stir to loosen.
  4. Add about 1 cup (240 ml) of pesto to the cooled pasta along with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Mix gently but thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
  5. Fold in 1 cup (150 grams) halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Squeeze the juice of one small lemon over the salad and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss lightly to combine.
  7. Optionally, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts and fresh basil leaves on top for garnish.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Cool the pasta thoroughly before mixing with pesto to preserve the vibrant color and fresh flavor. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness and balance. Toast nuts before adding for extra aroma and crunch. This salad can be made ahead and tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Avoid freezing as texture will degrade.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto pasta salad, holiday side dish, easy pasta salad, fresh pesto, rotini pasta salad, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan pasta salad

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/fresh-pesto-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-holiday-side-dish/