Delicious Italian Pesto Pasta Salad

Name: Delicious Italian Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces fusilli pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cup cucumber (diced); 1/2 cup black olives (sliced); 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (shredded); 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

VegetarianItalianLunchQuickEasyFamily-Friendly

⏱️ 15m PREP

🔥 10m COOK

👥 4 SERVINGS

⚡ 350 CAL/SERV

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Overview

This vibrant Italian Pesto Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix of al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade pesto, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.

Macronutrients per serving

grams

Protein

10.0g 15%

Fat

20.0g 31%

Carbs

35.0g 54%

Rich in nutrients

☀️ Vitamin A

30% DV

Essential for vision and immune function

🔺 Calcium

15% DV

Important for strong bones and teeth

☀️ Vitamin C

25% DV

Supports immune function

🔺 Iron

10% DV

Crucial for oxygen transport in the blood

💧 Omega-3

5% DV

Supports heart health

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

8 ounces fusilli pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1 cup cucumber diced
1/2 cup black olives sliced
1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
1/4 cup parmesan cheese shredded

Pesto Sauce

2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

1 Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2 In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
3 With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.
4 In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and red onion.
5 Add the homemade pesto to the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
6 Garnish with shredded parmesan cheese just before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.