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Recipe: Pesto pasta salad

Making homemade pesto is super easy and changes a bland pasta salad into a WOW pasta salad!

Posted Updated

By
Susan Caldwell

One stroll through any local farmer’s market will bring such an array of various sights and scents this time of year.

Pesto is an all time favorite at my house, and in our studios (nuts omitted!) during our camps. Making homemade pesto is super easy and changes a bland pasta salad into a WOW pasta salad! For extra flavor and yumminess, add fresh cherry tomatoes, roasted carrots and peppers also! You can toss in additional pine nuts for an extra crunch as well. Enjoy!

Pesto Pasta Salad
3 cups packed fresh basil
3 garlic cloves (use more or less depending on your preference)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup pine nuts (almonds or walnuts also work well)
1/2 cup good quality olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1/2 box of your favorite noodle

Directions:

Cook pasta according to directions. Rinse and set aside.

In a food processor or blender, add basil, garlic cloves, salt, pepper, pine nuts (can be omitted), olive oil, parmesan. Blend until combined. Mix with noodles and refrigerate covered until ready to serve.

Susan is the mom of two in Raleigh and owner of Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio with locations in Raleigh, Cary and Charlotte. Go Ask Mom features recipes every Friday. For more, check WRAL.com's recipe database.

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