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Pesto-ish Pasta Salad
This summery pasta salad is fresh, filling and packed with veg. It’s also incredibly easy to make and requires no cooking, aside from boiling the pasta. The dressing is basically a deconstructed pesto (I didn’t want to have to get out, and later clean, my blender). Veg wise, I’ve gone with asparagus, radishes, peas and rocket, but feel free to use whatever you have at home. This one’s great for meal prepping, as it keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, so I recommend making a big batch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g dried pasta of choice
- 180g asparagus, ends trimmed, thinly sliced
- 150g radishes, thinly sliced
- 150g frozen peas, thawed (cover with boiling water, let sit 5–10 mins then drain)
- 60g toasted pine nuts
- 60g parmigiano reggiano, shaved or grated
- 60g fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 120ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 100g rocket
- 1 lemon, juice only, or more to taste
Instructions
- Bring generously salted water to a boil in a large saucepan. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, then rinse under cold water, drain and transfer to a large salad bowl.
- Add the asparagus, radishes, peas, toasted pine nuts, parmigiano reggiano, fresh basil, garlic and extra-virgin olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss well to combine.
- Add the rocket and lemon juice and toss again to combine, then serve and enjoy or pack in airtight containers and enjoy throughout the week.
I made this for a potluck last night and received lots of compliments. I added 1/2 finely diced shallot and excluded the arugula because I made it the night before and was afraid it might wilt. I will include it next time. Delicious and super easy!
I’m so happy to hear it! Thank you so much for your review 🙂
This is a perfect summer dinner and also a great meal prep I made 5 containers for my lunches for the week and it lasted well. Tastes and smells so amazing and fresh 🙂
So happy to hear it! Thank you for leaving a review 🙂
This dish is beautiful summery and fragrant. Also makes a great meal prep, lasted really well throughout the week
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for you review 🙂