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Spring Pasta Salad with Pesto

Fresh and Flavorful Spring Pasta Salad with Pesto for Easy Meal Prep

Enjoy a vibrant Spring Pasta Salad with Pesto that's perfect for meal prep and bursting with fresh flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Short Pasta (e.g., rotini or farfalle) Cook al dente
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Pesto Homemade or quality store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
  • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Snap Peas Blanched
  • 1 cup Radishes Thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Torn into pieces
For the Finish
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Ice water bath

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then cool completely.
  2. Blanch the Snap Peas: Boil a small pot of salted water. Add snap peas and blanch for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Plunge into ice water to halt cooking, then drain well.
  3. Prep the Vegetables: Thinly slice radishes, halve cherry tomatoes, tear basil, and grate Parmesan cheese.
  4. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, blanched snap peas, sliced radishes, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves. Stir gently.
  5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle with pesto, lemon juice, and olive oil. Toss gently to coat and finish by incorporating grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least one hour before serving. Customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables or proteins.

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