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Broccoli Pesto Pasta Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts

A close-up, appetizing shot of Broccoli Pesto Pasta Salad tossed with bright red cherry tomatoes in a grey bowl.
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A fresh, cold pasta salad featuring a homemade broccoli pesto, cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts. This recipe is simple to prepare and works well for lunches or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz short pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain color. Drain well.
  3. Prepare the pesto: Combine the blanched broccoli, basil, Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until roughly chopped.
  4. With the food processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth but still has some texture.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli pesto, and halved cherry tomatoes. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Stir in the feta cheese, if using.
  7. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra toasted pine nuts before serving.

Notes

  • To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. Watch them closely as they burn fast.
  • For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan and feta cheeses and use nutritional yeast in the pesto.
  • You can add grilled chicken breast or white beans for extra protein.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/broccoli-pesto-pasta-salad/