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Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad

Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad
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Celebrate the season with our delightful Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad, a colorful and refreshing side dish that features vibrant greens and herbs, perfect for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces tricolor fusilli or any pasta of your choice

Pesto

  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought pesto sauce

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, rinsed

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Other

  • 2 tablespoons quality olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes and cucumber, and rinse the spinach leaves to ensure freshness. This preparation adds a colorful and nutritious crunch.
  3. Toss Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, spinach, and pesto. Gently toss everything together until well coated.
  4. Add Cheese and Season: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another gentle toss to evenly distribute the cheese and seasoning.
  5. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use Quality Pesto: The quality of the pesto is key; opt for fresh where possible for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed after mixing, as different pesto brands vary in salt levels.
  • Chill Time: Allowing the salad to chill enhances the overall flavors and makes it more refreshing.
  • Batch Preparation: This salad is perfect for making in advance for holidays, as it keeps well in the fridge.
  • Serve Cold: This dish is best served cold, making it a perfect make-ahead option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/holiday-pesto-pasta-salad/