Pesto Turns a Simple Pasta Salad Into an Easy Dinner

Broccoli, tomatoes and pesto liven up pasta salad. Brie Passano/TNS

Creamy pesto sauce turns a simple pasta salad with broccoli and tomatoes into a delightful dinner. Just before the pasta is done, add the broccoli to the pasta cooking water allowing it to slightly soften and turn a vivid shade of green.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Active Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

Serves 5

• 8 ounces whole-wheat fusilli (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup small broccoli florets
• 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 large clove garlic, quartered
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes

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.