Pasta Salad with Pesto

This Pasta Salad with Pesto is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for a healthy American lunch. Bursting with flavors from fresh vegetables and homemade pesto, it’s a delightful way to enjoy your pasta.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat pasta - 150 grams
• Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
• Cucumber - 1 medium, diced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Red onion - 1/4 medium, finely chopped
• Fresh basil leaves - 30 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Olive oil - 60 ml
• Garlic - 1 clove
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Cook the whole wheat pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth to make the pesto.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
4. Add the pesto to the pasta and vegetables, then toss until everything is well coated.
5. Drizzle lemon juice over the salad, toss gently, and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Provides a good source of dietary fiber from whole wheat pasta and vegetables.
• Rich in antioxidants from fresh vegetables and basil, supporting overall health.

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