Cilantro Pesto Pasta Salad
Bright, zesty, and packed with fresh flavors, this Cilantro Pesto Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Featuring tender rotini pasta tossed with a vibrant homemade cilantro pesto made from fresh cilantro, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and a squeeze of tangy lime juice, this salad bursts with bold, herbaceous notes in every bite. Crisp, colorful additions like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion lend a refreshing crunch, while red pepper flakes add optional heat for spice lovers. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy pasta salad can be served immediately or chilled for a refreshing make-ahead dish perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or as a light lunch. With its unique twist on classic pesto and its stunning use of fresh ingredients, this recipe will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (rotini or bowtie)
- 2 cups Fresh cilantro (stems removed)
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 cups Pine nuts
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
- 0.5 cups Olive oil
- 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 Cucumber (diced)
- 0.5 Red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cilantro pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh cilantro, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the ingredients form a coarse mixture.
Gradually add the olive oil to the food processor while blending on low speed until the pesto becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Add the cilantro pesto to the bowl and toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
Sprinkle with optional red pepper flakes for added heat, if desired.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for a cool, refreshing pasta salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
385 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.2 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 12 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 630 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.4 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 12.2 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 241 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 214 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
