Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

8
This cold pesto pasta salad will cool you off on a summer day. Fresh tomatoes and roasted red peppers add a pop of bright color and juiciness here, but any of your favorite pasta-salad veggies, like blanched broccoli and fresh bell peppers, would be delicious too.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound whole-wheat penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves

    plus more for garnish

  • ½ cup lightly packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

    toasted

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic

    grated

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ tablespoon ground pepper
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium tomato

    chopped

  • ½ cup chopped jarred roasted red peppers

    rinsed

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, combine basil, parsley, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse, scraping down the sides as necessary, until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in oil.

  3. 3

    Transfer the pesto to a large bowl and add the pasta, tomato and peppers. Toss to coat. Top with more basil, if desired.

Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

30 min8

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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, refreshing dish that brightens up any meal, especially on a warm day? This Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad delivers big on fresh flavors and satisfying textures, making it the perfect choice for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this cold pesto pasta salad truly special is its incredible balance of fresh, herbaceous pesto with juicy tomatoes and tender roasted red peppers. The toasted walnuts in the pesto provide a delightful depth and crunch that elevates it beyond typical versions, creating a complex yet approachable flavor profile.

What to Expect

Prepare for a burst of garden-fresh basil and parsley, brightened by a hint of lemon and the savory richness of Parmesan. The penne or rotini pasta offers a pleasant chew, perfectly complementing the subtle garlic kick and the irresistible nuttiness from the walnuts. Each forkful is a refreshing blend of textures—from the slight crunch of the nuts to the soft, sweet roasted peppers and the pop of fresh tomato. It's a naturally invigorating dish that feels light yet completely satisfying.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to make this pasta salad your own! While fresh tomatoes and roasted red peppers are fantastic, you can easily swap in other favorite pasta-salad vegetables. Consider blanched broccoli florets for a touch of green and crispness, or add fresh, thinly sliced bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness. For a different texture, you could try using bowtie pasta instead of penne or rotini.

Serving & Context

This Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad is ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a light side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Serve it chilled, garnished with a few extra fresh basil leaves, for an appealing presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions