Easy Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Fresh Basil

If you’re looking for a fresh, easy-to-make, and tasty salad, Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect dish! It’s an ideal choice for summer gatherings or just a healthy meal to enjoy any time. With the nutty flavor of walnuts, the rich taste of pesto, and a burst of fresh ingredients, this salad will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s a great vegetarian option that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. So, let’s dive into this simple recipe and learn how to prepare it!

Ingredients for Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

To make this salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound whole-wheat penne or rotini pasta: This gives the salad a hearty base. You can choose whole wheat for extra fiber.
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves (lightly packed): Basil brings a fresh, aromatic flavor to the pesto.
• ½ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves (lightly packed): Parsley adds a subtle herb taste and a nice color to the salad.
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (toasted): Walnuts provide crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. Toasting them enhances the taste.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a savory, cheesy element to the pesto.
• 1 clove garlic (grated): Garlic adds depth and flavor to the pesto.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: The lemon juice helps balance the richness of the pesto and adds a fresh zing.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Salt is essential to bring out the flavors.
• ¼ tablespoon ground pepper: Pepper adds a bit of spice to the dish.
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil: Olive oil helps blend the pesto and gives it a smooth consistency.
• 1 medium tomato (chopped): Fresh tomatoes add juiciness and color.
• ½ cup jarred roasted red peppers (chopped and rinsed): These peppers bring sweetness and depth of flavor.

Steps to Make Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

Now, let’s go over the steps to prepare this refreshing salad!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of water on high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the whole-wheat pasta (penne or rotini) and cook it according to the package instructions. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will make the pasta nice and firm for the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Pesto

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to make the pesto. In a food processor, add the fresh basil, parsley, toasted walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, grated garlic, lemon juice, salt, and ground pepper. Pulse the ingredients a few times until they are finely chopped. Keep scraping down the sides of the food processor to ensure everything blends well. Once the ingredients are chopped, slowly add the olive oil while the food processor is running. This helps create a smooth, creamy pesto.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Now that your pesto is ready, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl, along with the chopped tomato and roasted red peppers. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto. For extra freshness and flavor, you can add more basil leaves on top as a garnish.

Tips for the Best Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

• Make-Ahead Option: If you want to prepare this salad in advance, you can refrigerate the pesto for up to 1 day before mixing it with the pasta and vegetables. This allows the flavors to blend even more!
• Add Your Favorite Veggies: While this recipe includes tomatoes and roasted red peppers, feel free to add other vegetables like blanched broccoli, fresh bell peppers, or cucumber to make it even more colorful and nutritious.
• Vegan Option: If you’re looking for a vegan version, you can easily swap the Parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

This Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also provides several health benefits. It is rich in fiber from the whole-wheat pasta and walnuts. Walnuts are a great source of healthy fats, which can support heart health. The fresh basil and parsley add vitamins, including Vitamin A, which is important for skin and eye health. This salad also offers a decent amount of protein from the nuts and cheese, making it a balanced and filling meal.

By using extra-virgin olive oil and fresh ingredients, this salad is part of the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its health benefits. It’s great for healthy aging, gut health, and overall well-being.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

This Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad is a perfect meal for hot summer days or anytime you want something light and tasty. It’s packed with fresh ingredients like basil, tomatoes, and roasted red peppers that not only enhance the flavor but also provide a range of health benefits. The nutty and savory pesto made with walnuts and Parmesan cheese is the perfect coating for the pasta, making every bite delicious and satisfying. It’s easy to make, super versatile, and can be customized with your favorite veggies. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a side dish for a family gathering, this salad will always be a hit!

Purple Basil LLC

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