Pesto Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Pesto Pasta Salad
Description
This Pesto Pasta Salad starts by cooking pasta to a firm but tender texture and cooling it to prevent overcooking or mushiness. Crispy cooked bacon is crumbled for a smoky, salty element that contrasts with the bright, fresh vegetables.
Cherry tomatoes add juiciness, while Castelvetrano olives contribute mild briny notes. Freshly chopped chives and dill enhance the herbaceous profile. The homemade basil vinaigrette ties all ingredients together, coating the pasta and vegetables with a balanced herb and acid flavor.
Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enables the ingredients to infuse and the dressing to meld. Omitting bacon can make the salad vegetarian without sacrificing the core flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 6-8 lices Bacon
- 1 pound short pasta dried
- 1 pint cherry tomato halved (about 10 ounces
- ½ cup Castelvetrano olives pitted and halved
- 3 tablespoons chives fresh, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons dill finely chopped, fresh
- salt Kosher salt and freshly cracked, to taste
- black pepper Kosher salt and freshly cracked, to taste
- 1 recipe Basil Vinaigrette
Instructions
- Make the basil vinaigrette in a blender and set aside.
- Cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.
- Place the drained pasta, bacon, tomatoes, olives, basil vinaigrette, and herbs in a large bowl. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To make the salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or serve it on the side.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to combine.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 270 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 270kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 9mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 209mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 237mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 311IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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