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Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

25-Minute Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad That Steals the Show

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A refreshing and nutty pasta salad with homemade walnut pesto, perfect for picnics or quick meals.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound whole-wheat penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
  • ½ cup lightly packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ tablespoon ground pepper
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • ½ cup chopped jarred roasted red peppers, rinsed

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Combine basil, parsley, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in oil.
  4. Transfer the pesto to a large bowl and add the pasta, tomato and peppers. Toss to coat.
  5. Top with more basil if desired.

Notes

  • Toast walnuts for deeper flavor.
  • Rinse roasted red peppers to reduce sodium.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg