Easy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Serves 8
15 mins prep
15 mins cook
30 mins total
Summertime in Germany: grills topped with bratwurst, marinated meats and veggies. And as if that wasn't wonderful enough, here come the sides: fresh bread and salads galore including this Mediterranean-inspired pesto pasta salad that's a go-to in our family and my mom's recipe.
For Pesto
For Salad
For the pesto, combine all pesto ingredients in a food processor and purée until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.
fl oz extra virgin olive oil
tbsp fresh lemon juice
oz roasted pine nuts
oz parmesan cheese
clove garlic
handful basil leaves
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente (follow instructions on package). Drain and set aside.
oz pasta
In a large skillet, heat the oil on medium high, then add the zucchini and cook for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant. Add calabrian chili paste if desired. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
tbsp extra virgin olive oil
zucchini or yellow squash
clove fresh garlic
Combine pasta, pesto, sautéed veggies, pine nuts and diced fresh tomatoes in a large serving bowl, then top with grated parm and some fresh basil leaves. Guten Appetit!
tbsp roasted pine nuts
oz grape tomatoes
oz parmesan cheese
tbsp Calabrian chili paste
