Pesto Turns a Simple Pasta Salad Into an Easy Dinner

Pesto Turns a Simple Pasta Salad Into an Easy Dinner
Broccoli, tomatoes and pesto liven up pasta salad. Brie Passano/TNS
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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.
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