Name: Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces whole-wheat fusilli (about 3 cups); 1 cup small broccoli florets; 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves; 0.25 cup pine nuts, toasted; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 large clove garlic, quartered; 0.75 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon ground pepper; 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes

Pesto Pasta Salad

4.0

(2)

1 Review

A creamy pesto sauce turns this simple pasta salad into a delightful dinner. Adding broccoli to the pasta cooking water just before the pasta is done is a convenient way to briefly cook it so that it turns a vivid shade of green and softens slightly.

Carolyn Casner

Updated on October 12, 2022

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:

Yield:

5 cups

Nutrition Profile:

Healthy Immunity Low-Calorie Soy-Free Vegetarian

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

8 ounces whole-wheat fusilli (about 3 cups)
1 cup small broccoli florets
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 large clove garlic, quartered
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes

Directions

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package directions. One minute before the pasta is done, stir in broccoli. Cook for 1 minute, then drain and rinse under cold running water to stop further cooking.
Meanwhile, place basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, mayonnaise, oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a mini food processor. Process until almost smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the pasta and broccoli, along with tomatoes. Toss to coat.

Tips

To make ahead: Refrigerate for up to 1 day.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

317	Calories
16g	Fat
38g	Carbs
8g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 5
Serving Size 1 cup
Calories 317
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 38g	14%
Dietary Fiber 5g	19%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 8g	16%
Total Fat 16g	20%
Saturated Fat 2g	12%
Cholesterol 6mg	2%
Vitamin A 1615IU	32%
Vitamin C 23mg	26%
Folate 30mcg	8%
Sodium 474mg	21%
Calcium 78mg	6%
Iron 1mg	7%
Magnesium 37mg	9%
Potassium 227mg	5%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.