When it comes to entertaining, having the best recipes is important and a good place to start is with an easy basil pesto pasta that can serve everyone.
Course Main Course, Main Dish, Salad
Prep Time 30 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 45 minutesminutes
Servings 6people
Ingredients
Basil Pesto Ingredients
2cupsbasil leavesfresh
1/2cupparmesan-reggianograted
1/2cupextra-virgin olive oil
1/3cuppine nuts or walnuts
3garlic cloves
salt and pepper to taste
Basil Pesto Pasta Salad
1cuppeasfrozen or fresh
4cupsuncooked rotini
1cup fresh basil pesto
1/4cuppine nuts
2tbspgreen olivesfinely chopped
12ozcherry tomatoes
1tbspolive oil
salt and pepper
basil leavesfresh
Instructions
Pesto Directions
Combine the pine nuts and basil and using a food processor you should give them a few pulses.
Add the garlic and give them a few more pulses.
Slowly add the olive oil in a constant, slow stream while the processor is on. Stop it from time to time to scrape the walls so you can achieve a uniform mix.
Add the cheese and pulse until nicely blended, then add a bit of salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Basil Pesto Salad Directions
The first thing you have to do is cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Make sure it's not too soft as you want them to be nice and firm enough to look good. Put some salt in the water to help that process.
Strain it and then run some cold water through it for a bit until it is cooled down.
Next, you need to put the pasta in a big bowl mixing in the green olives, fresh basil pesto, and pine nuts.
Once that is achieved you can add the cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil leaves, and olive oil. Use salt and pepper to your taste and place it in the fridge to chill.
The salad should be served responsibly as it contains a lot of calories and sodium, thus it is not recommended for regular consumption. :) You will most likely feel the urge to eat more though!