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Simple Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

Simple Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

  • Author: AlmaHerzog
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Incredibly Easy Pesto Pasta Salad is the simplest make-ahead friendly side that’s perfect for all occasions. Use store-bought pesto and canned sliced olives to make quick work of this crowd-pleasing cold pasta salad recipe!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound farfalle (bowtie) pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 6–7 ounces (3/4 cup) traditional prepared pesto
  • 2/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2.25 ounce can sliced black olives, drained
  • 1/4 cup freshly shredded microbial-rennet parmesan cheese
  • fine sea salt to taste
  • fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Heat about 5 quarts of water in a large stockpot over high heat. Once boiling, add at least 1 tablespoon salt to season the water. Cook pasta (16 ounces) to al dente based on package directions. Drain well in a strainer and rinse pasta with cold water to stop the cooking and bring it to room temperature. Set aside to cool further while you prep the remaining ingredients.
  2. Mix everything together: Add the cooked pasta to your largest mixing bowl. Add olive oil (2 tablespoons), pesto (6-7 ounces), tomatoes (2/3 cup, halved), olives (2.25 ounce can, drained) and parmesan cheese (1/4 cup freshly shredded). Use a large spoon or rubber spatula to mix everything together until the pesto is well dispersed. Taste and see if you think it needs any salt or pepper.
  3. Serve & store: Top with more parmesan cheese if you wish. Serve as a side or main dish with cooked chicken and other sides. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Refresh leftovers by stirring in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil if it appears dry.

Notes

Refresh leftovers by stirring in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil if it appears dry. This dish is best served cold or at room temperature.

  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Sides
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 405 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: pesto pasta salad, cold pasta salad, easy side dish, make-ahead salad, farfalle pasta

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Find it online: https://easydashrecipes.com/simple-basil-pesto-pasta-salad-633387441094369/