Description
Pasta Salad with Pesto for Lunch Boxes is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for breaking free from mundane lunches. This vibrant dish features al dente pasta tossed in fresh basil pesto, complemented by sweet cherry tomatoes and crunchy pine nuts. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrition, it’s a fantastic choice for meal prep or quick lunches that will keep your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz short pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup toasted pine nuts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and cool under cold water.
- In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan; pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, gradually add olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta with pesto until fully coated. Gently fold in cherry tomatoes.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Customize by adding your favorite veggies or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas. For extra creaminess, mix in Greek yogurt just before serving.