Build your own pesto pasta salad

By Paul Ainsworth

Rustle up this easy pesto pasta salad for the family. Customise it by adding your kid’s favourite veg

Prep:10 mins
Cook:15 mins

Serves 6
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 415
fat 20g
saturates 4g
carbs 43g
sugars 0g
fibre 4g
protein 13g
salt 0.1g

Ingredients

400g farfalle pasta
3 tbsp olive oil
50g pine nuts
5 tbsp pesto (see recipe, right and below, if you want to make your own)
10 large basil leaves
½ lemon, juiced and zested
50g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, shaved
halved cherry tomatoes, drained sweetcorn, peas, rocket

Method

Cook the pasta following pack instructions, then drain and toss in 1 tbsp of the oil. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside to cool, tossing occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
Toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan over a low heat, constantly moving them for 4-5 mins until browned. When the pasta has completely cooled, toss through the pesto, toasted pine nuts, remaining olive oil, basil, lemon zest and juice, and the tomatoes, sweetcorn, peas and rocket, if using. Season, then scatter over the parmesan and serve.

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