How To Make A Tasty Pesto And Pasta Salad

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts are lower in cost and provide a similar texture.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

Cook dried penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and cool.

In a food processor, add whole basil leaves, 30 g of chopped parmesan cheese, 30 g of pine nuts, and 1 clove of garlic (peeled and roughly chopped).

Blend the ingredients in the food processor, adding 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil gradually.

Use a spatula to push down the mixture if needed and blend until desired consistency is reached (chunky or smooth).

Combine the pesto with the cooled pasta in a mixing bowl; mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Serve the pasta salad cold, dividing it between two bowls.

Garnish with remaining basil leaves and shave extra parmesan on top for presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens