Pesto Pasta Salad
This easy Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect recipe for summer! Its quick prep, and easy ingredients make it perfect for a pot luck, BBQ or easy meal prep.
Servings 5 , 10oz meal prep containers
Calories 449kcal
Ingredients
For the lentils and pasta
- ½ cup dried beluga lentils, cooked
- 225 grams dry fusili, cooked (or rotini)
For the pesto dressing
- 1 cup garlic scapes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 pine nuts
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the pasta salad
- ½ cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced black and/or green olives
- ⅓ cup chopped almonds
- ¾ cup chopped artichoke hearts
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup chopped cucumber (about 2 mini cucumbers or ½ large cucumber)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Garnish with fresh basil
- Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the lentils according to package instructions and once tender, drain from the water and set aside.
- While the lentils cook, cook the pasta to al dente since the pasta will continue to soften once it’s mixed with the dressing. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.
- Make the pesto add all of the ingredients except the olive oil into a food processor and pulse until everything is finely chopped and combined. Now, stream in the olive oil slowly with the food processor on low speed until you achieve a creamy consistency. Set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooled, make the pasta salad. In a large mixing bowl toss gently together all of the pasta salad ingredients with 1/4-1/2 cup of the prepared pesto (start with 1/4 cup pesto and use up to 1/4 cup more based on your tastes).Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil or store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Save time and use your favourite prepared pesto from the market or grocery store.
- This makes a great meal prep salad! Store in meal prep containers for 4-5 days in the fridge.
- If lentils aren't for you, add cooked chicken instead.
Nutrition
Calories: 449kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 18.9g | Fat: 15.3g | Saturated Fat: 3.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7.1g | Cholesterol: 5.8mg | Sodium: 376.5mg | Fiber: 9.8g | Sugar: 4.6g
