Description
A refreshing and customizable pesto pasta salad featuring farfalle tossed with homemade or store-bought pesto, toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, lemon zest and juice, and a mix of colorful vegetables, finished with shaved parmesan for a flavorful and vibrant dish perfect for light lunches or picnics.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Dressing
- 400g farfalle pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 5 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ lemon, juiced and zested
Additional Ingredients
- 50g pine nuts
- 10 large basil leaves
- 50g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, shaved
- Halved cherry tomatoes (quantity as preferred)
- Drained sweetcorn (quantity as preferred)
- Peas (quantity as preferred)
- Rocket leaves (optional, quantity as preferred)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and toss immediately with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and allow it to cool completely, tossing occasionally.
- Toast the pine nuts: In a dry frying pan over low heat, toast the pine nuts while constantly stirring for 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Toss the salad: Once the pasta has fully cooled, add the pesto, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, toasted pine nuts, torn basil leaves, lemon zest and juice, halved cherry tomatoes, drained sweetcorn, peas, and rocket if using. Toss everything gently to combine.
- Season and serve: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Scatter the shaved parmesan or its vegetarian alternative over the top. Serve immediately or chill for a short time before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly made pesto if possible.
- To keep the salad fresh, store components separately and combine just before serving if preparing ahead.
- Feel free to customize with other vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers.
- Parmesan can be swapped with a vegetarian hard cheese alternative to suit dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: pesto pasta salad, farfalle pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, easy pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, pine nuts, homemade pesto
