In the Kitchen with Eric Gardner - Macaroni Salad with Basil Dressing

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil provides healthy fats while canola oil is more budget-friendly.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor, while pecorino is often less expensive.

Cook a half pound of elbow macaroni according to package directions.

While that's happening, in a blender combine a cup of fresh basil leaves with 3 garlic cloves, some salt, and pepper, and 2/3 cup olive oil.

Also add a tablespoon of red wine vinegar.

Process until well blended and smooth, then set aside.

In a glass salad bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with some diced cherry tomatoes and sliced zucchini, along with some shredded cheddar cheese.

You can use mozzarella cheese if you wish.

Stir to combine, then chill until ready to serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens