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Pesto Pasta Salad

Author: Brandy O'Neill - Nutmeg Nanny
This pesto pasta salad is packed full of fresh homemade pesto, peas, and pine nuts. It is a simple-to-make recipe that is perfect for summertime!
4.60 from 5 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

For the pesto

  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves tightly packed
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated or shredded
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the pasta salad

  • 1 box 16 ounces rotini pasta
  • 2 cups frozen peas
  • Pesto from above
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Instructions

For the pesto 

  • Combine the pine nuts, garlic, and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor.
  • Pulse until the garlic and nuts are broken up into small pieces. 
  • Add the basil and parmesan and pulse until the basil is broken up into small pieces as well. 
  • With the food processor on low, slowly add the olive oil.
  • Continue to pulse until the pesto is smooth and lump-free. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
  • Set aside until ready to use. 

For the pasta salad 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the pasta and cook for 1 minute less than al dente. Check the time on the box as different brands will have different cook times. 
  • Add the peas and cook for an additional minute, or just until al dente. 
  • Remove 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta and peas. 
  • Add the pesto and 1/4 cup of pasta water to a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
  • Add the pasta and peas to the bowl and toss to combine. If the pasta is too dry, add an additional 1/4 cup of starchy pasta water.
  • Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. 
  • Garnish with toasted pine nuts and enjoy. 
  • This pasta can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. 
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 243mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g
Course Pasta
Cuisine American
Keyword easy pasta salad, homemade pesto, pasta salad, pea pesto pasta salad, pesto pasta salad, pesto pea pasta
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