Making Fresh Pesto Pasta Salad

When basil is in season, I have to make fresh pesto. You can use it in so many ways, but this Pesto Pasta Salad is one of the best!

How to Use Pesto

There are so many uses of pesto. Here are a few of my favorites:

• as a sandwich spread

• in or on top of an omelet

• on pizza in place of sauce

• in place of red sauce for any pasta

• as a condiment for grilled veggies

• as an ingredient in salad dressing

• to season chicken or shrimp

• to flavor an Italian-inspired vegetable soup

Watch Me Make Pesto and Pesto Pasta Salad

The Recipe

Pesto

• 2-3 handfuls of basil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1-2 TBSP walnuts (or pine nuts)

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan

• salt & pepper

• olive oil

Salad

• 2 cups dried pasta

• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls

• 1 TBSP mayonnaise

Directions

1. Cook pasta per package direction. Cool under cold water and then refrigerate while making pesto.

2. In a food processor combine garlic, walnuts, parmesan, salt, pepper, and basil. Drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches the consistency you want.

3. Begin to build the salad by adding pesto and mayo to the pasta. Then add in tomatoes and mozzarella.

Other Add-Ins

You can always add other ingredients if you want. Some that I think would be best -

1. Chicken or Shrimp

2. Chunks of raw zucchini

3. Feta cheese

4. Arugula or Spinach

5. Roasted red peppers

6. Red onion

Pin It For Later