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Delicious Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad

The Delicious Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad is an exquisite blend of flavors and textures that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 2 cups Pasta of your choice (fusilli or penne) Cooked al dente

Sundried Tomatoes

  • 1 cup Sundried tomatoes Packed in oil or dry, rehydrate if dry

Pesto

  • 1 cup Pesto Homemade or store-bought

Olive Oil

  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil Enhances richness

Bell Peppers

  • 1 cup Diced bell peppers Red, yellow, or green

Cucumber

  • 1 cup Diced cucumber Provides refreshing crunch

Fresh Basil

  • 1/4 cup Chopped fresh basil leaves Enhances herbaceous notes

Parmesan Cheese

  • 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Adjust quantity to taste

Salt and Pepper

  • Salt and pepper To taste

Instructions

  • 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • 2. Prepare vegetables: dice bell peppers and cucumber. If using dry sundried tomatoes, rehydrate in warm water for 15 minutes, then chop.
  • 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sundried tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumber. Toss gently.
  • 4. Drizzle pesto over the mixture and fold gently to coat. Add olive oil if needed.
  • 5. Add chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, folding them in gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • 6. Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Notes

For variations, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein, or using whole grain or gluten-free pasta.