Pesto pasta salad with pine nuts and cherry tomatoes
Savor the flavors of summer with this delicious Pesto Pasta Salad! Fresh basil and parsley combined with garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan create a vibrant pesto. Toss with gluten-free pasta, creamy Greek yogurt, pine nuts, and juicy cherry tomatoes for a healthy and satisfying dish. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light dinner!
- 09 Jun 2024
- Cook time 15 min
- Prep time 15 min
- 8 Servings
- 12 Ingredients
Pesto pasta salad with pine nuts and cherry tomatoes is a fresh and vibrant dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a side at your next gathering. Combining the earthy flavors of basil and parsley with the richness of pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and the tangy sweetness of cherry tomatoes, this recipe will leave your taste buds delighted. Moreover, it's gluten-free, making it accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add 2 cups (210g) of gluten-free pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- In a food processor, combine 12 cups (70g) of basil leaves, 1 cup (60g) of fresh parsley, and 3 garlic cloves (9g).
- Add 1 tbsp (16g) of lemon juice, 1 tsp (3g) of salt, and 1 tsp (2.10g) of black pepper.
- Add 1 cup (140g) of toasted pine nuts and 10 tbsp (50g) of grated Parmesan cheese.
- With the food processor running, gradually drizzle in 8 tbsp (110g) of olive oil. Process until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared pesto sauce with 1 cup (240g) of Greek yogurt. Mix well to create a creamy pesto sauce.
- Toss the cooked and cooled gluten-free pasta into the bowl with the creamy pesto sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in 2 cups (300g) of halved cherry tomatoes.
- Mix to combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the pesto pasta salad to a serving dish.
- If desired, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of toasted pine nuts.
- For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips:
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown to enhance their flavor.
- Use a food processor or blender to make the pesto for a smoother consistency.
- If you're making this salad ahead of time, keep the cherry tomatoes separate and add them just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
- For a creamier texture, mix a portion of the pesto with Greek yogurt before tossing it with the pasta.
- Add a bit more olive oil or a splash of the pasta cooking water if the pesto is too thick.
Pesto pasta salad with pine nuts and cherry tomatoes is a delicious and refreshing dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and packed with flavor, thanks to the fresh basil, parsley, and the perfect blend of other ingredients. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for your barbecue, or a contribution to a potluck, this salad is sure to be a hit.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 150 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 230kcal | 9% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 9g | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 16g | 5% |
| Fiber 1.93g | 5% |
| Sugar 2.94g | 3% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 30g | 34% |
| Saturated 4.47g | 15% |
| Cholesterol 9mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 90ug | 10% |
| Choline 20mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B1 0.11mg | 9% |
| Vitamin B2 0.19mg | 14% |
| Vitamin B3 1.28mg | 8% |
| Vitamin B6 0.12mg | 7% |
| Vitamin B9 33ug | 8% |
| Vitamin B12 0.31ug | 13% |
| Vitamin C 18mg | 20% |
| Vitamin E 1.95mg | 13% |
| Vitamin K 170ug | 144% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 120mg | 9% |
| Copper, Cu 0.31mg | 0% |
| Iron, Fe 1.92mg | 17% |
| Magnesium, Mg 63mg | 16% |
| Phosphorus, P 210mg | 17% |
| Potassium, K 330mg | 10% |
| Selenium, Se 6ug | 11% |
| Sodium, Na 270mg | 18% |
| Zinc, Zn 1.82mg | 17% |
| Water | |
| Water 90g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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