Pesto Pasta Salad

Camping Recipes

This Pesto Pasta Salad is light, filling and fresh. Bursting with fresh, bold flavors, it is the perfect lunch for a hot Florida day at the park or campsite. Prepare the ingredients ahead or purchase store-bought options for a quick meal on the run!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of bow-tie pasta
• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
• mixed salad greens or arugula
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced Kalamata olives (optional)
• Homemade or store-bought pesto:
  • 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining. Drain, rinse under cool water.
2. Process the pesto ingredients in a food processor if making fresh.
3. Toss the pasta in the pesto until evenly coated.
4. To assemble the salad, place the greens on a plate, top with the pesto-tossed pasta, sprinkle the cherry tomatoes and optional olives on top.

Enjoy!