Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
creamy pesto pasta salad
Basil is known as the “King of Herbs.” But garlic, the so-called “Stinking Rose,” is a lowly clove. Who’d ever think the two would get along so well? My Cuisinart, that’s who. This Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad is a family favorite, the perfect combination of basil, garlic and pine nuts.
creamy pesto pasta salad
serves 8
ingredients
- 1 lb fusilli pasta
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, firmly packed
- 1 large garlic clove
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
directions
- For the pasta, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta, cooking until pasta is tender. Drain well and toss with olive oil. Cool to room temperature while preparing the pesto.
- For the pesto, wash the basil, discard the stems and dry thoroughly. Set aside.
- Place the garlic, pine nuts, salt and pepper in a food processor. Process 10 seconds to chop garlic. Add basil leaves and pulse 4-5 times to shred basil. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. With the machine running, slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture is smooth, about 20 seconds. Add the Parmesan, mayonnaise and lemon juice, processing just until incorporated.
- Transfer pesto to a large serving bowl and toss with cooled pasta. Serve with additional Parmesan if desired.
“A man taking basil from a woman will love her always.”
