Delicious Italian Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients

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

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

Method

1. 01
   Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. 02
   In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
3. 03
   With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.
4. 04
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and red onion.
5. 05
   Add the homemade pesto to the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
6. 06
   Garnish with shredded parmesan cheese just before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.