Pesto Pasta Salad

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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.

By
Carolyn Casner
Carolyn Casner

Carolyn Casner is a longtime recipe tester and contributor for EatingWell. Over the years, she has tested and developed hundreds of recipes for the magazine and website.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on September 19, 2023
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
5
Yield:
5 cups
Nutrition Profile:
Healthy Immunity Soy-Free Vegetarian Low-Calorie
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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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, June 2018

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.

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