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Vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Experience the harmony of fresh, bold flavors in this vibrant pesto pasta salad, where a herbaceous pesto dressing meets colorful, textured ingredients for a perfect side or main dish.
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Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 300 g 10 oz fusilli pasta (or your preferred pasta)
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1/4 cup green peas fresh or thawed frozen
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1/3 cup green pesto sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the fusilli pasta in a pot of boiling salted water, following the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process and maintain its firm texture. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the green pesto sauce and olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This will create a luscious dressing that evenly coats the pasta.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, green peas, capers, and grated Parmesan cheese. These vibrant ingredients provide a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
  • Pour the prepared pesto dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together until every piece of pasta is evenly coated in the rich, green sauce.
  • Taste the salad and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. For an elegant finishing touch, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves.
  • The salad can be enjoyed immediately for a warm dish or refrigerated for 20–30 minutes for a refreshing, chilled pasta salad. Serve and savor the vibrant flavors.