Pesto Pasta Salad with Pine Nuts
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Pesto Pasta Salad with Pine Nuts is the ultimate side dish or light main course for any occasion. Tender al dente pasta is tossed in a homemade basil pesto made with toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and extra-virgin olive oil, delivering a creamy, herbaceous coating that’s simply irresistible. Juicy cherry tomatoes and optional fresh spinach add pops of color and wholesome freshness, while a final sprinkle of golden, nutty pine nuts provides the perfect crunchy finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy pasta salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it an ideal choice for summer picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. Keywords: pesto, pasta salad, pine nuts, fresh basil, easy recipes, summer dishes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Fresh spinach (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool completely.
Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Set the pesto aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and optional fresh spinach if using.
Add the prepared pesto to the bowl and toss until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the remaining toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch.
Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 1-2 hours for a chilled pasta salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1846 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 153.7 g | 197% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.9 g | 119% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 26 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 1715 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.7 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.3 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.1 g | ||
| Protein | 35.5 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 482 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1326 mg | 28% | |
*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.
