Refreshing Lemon Herb Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Today’s Delight: Lemon Herb Pesto Pasta Salad

Hey there, foodies! Today, I’m excited to share a refreshing and vibrant recipe for Lemon Herb Pesto Pasta Salad. This dish is perfect for those warm summer days when you want something light yet satisfying. The zesty lemon and fresh herbs really elevate this pasta salad to a whole new level!

Ingredients:

• penne pasta (250g)
• cherry tomatoes (150g)
• yellow bell pepper (100g)
• zucchini (1 medium)
• fresh basil leaves (30g)
• fresh parsley leaves (20g)
• lemon zest and juice of 1 lemon
• olive oil (50ml)
• garlic cloves (2 cloves)
• pine nuts (30g)
• salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools:

• saucepan
• knife
• cutting board
• mixing bowl
• food processor

To start, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the garlic cloves and set them aside.

In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. Blend until you have a smooth and vibrant pesto sauce.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large mixing bowl, toss the pasta with the chopped vegetables and the lemon herb pesto sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give it a good toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Total weight of cooked dish: 800g
Number of servings: 4
Average weight of one serving: 200g
Approximate calorie count per serving: 350 calories

And here’s a little tip to make this dish even more delightful — try sprinkling some feta cheese on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor!

I hope you give this Lemon Herb Pesto Pasta Salad a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs to make it your own. Happy cooking!