Easy pesto pasta salad recipe

May 21, 1:19 AMProvidence Food ExaminerDonna Diegel

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EASY PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Memorial Day wouldn't be the same without this Zesty Pasta Salad! Fresh basil pesto, spiral pasta, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onions and salad dressing make a great summer pasta salad for your holiday cookout!

Fresh Basil Pesto

In a previous article, I explained how to make fresh basil pesto. It's much cheaper and healthier than the store bought variety which often contains preservatives to keep it nice and green. It's also very easy and can be made in just a few minutes! If you don't have basil growing in your garden, you can buy it in big bunches at your local market. Just follow my recipe and directions for Fresh Basil Pesto, and you'll have plenty on hand to make this delicious Zesty Pesto Pasta Salad!

Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

• 1 pound bow tie or spiral pasta, cooked al dente and drained
• 1 cup salad dressing, Italian, Sweet & Sour or Vidalia Onion dressing
• 3 Tablespoons fresh or prepared basil pesto in oil
• 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 red, yellow or green pepper, chopped
• 1 cup or 2 large Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup black olives, sliced
• 2 Tablespoons Mrs Dash Garlic & Herb or similar salt-free seasoning
• 2 Tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

How To Make Easy Pasta Salad

• Cook pasta, rinse in cold water, drain and set aside to cool.
• Mix salad dressing and pesto together and pour over the pasta, mixing with pasta fork to coat.
• Gently fold in remaining ingredients except the Parmesan cheese.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and serve.
• Refrigerate leftovers.
• Serves 8.