Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Another week and another simple and great recipe that I wanted to share with you. I made this salad for a family gathering two weeks ago. My family loved it. Summer is upon us and this salad is great for something simple and light.

Ingredients that you will need:

4 cups or 12oz of uncooked spiral pasta or bow tie pasta

1 Cup of fresh basil Pesto

2 Tbsp of chopped green olives or olive tapenade. (I used 1 can of green olives). Use a desired amount

1/4 cup pine nuts. I would suggest at least 1/2 cup. I love pine nuts in this salad!

1 Cup of frozen peas, defrosted or fresh if you can get them. Peas are optional. I do not like them so, I do not use them.

12 ounces of cherry tomatoes, halved

Several fresh basil leaves coarsely chopped

3 Caps of olive oil

Salt and Pepper for desired taste

1 to 2 cups of grated Monterey Jack Cheese

Steps in putting the Salad together:

Step 1: Cook pasta according to instructions on the package. Make sure the water is salted. Remove your pasta from stove and strain your pasta after it is cooked. Make sure you do not over cook your pasta.

Step 2: Put your pasta in a large serving bowl.

Step 3: chop and Mix in your basil pesto, green olives, and pine nuts. Gently mix in your cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and olive oil.(peas optional)

Step 4: Add your 2 cups of grated Monterey Jack Cheese. Salt and Pepper to taste.You can chill your pasta or serve at room temperature.

Serving size 6- 10  Enjoy! This pasta salad will be one you will keep coming back for!