A delightful pasta salad with a zesty twist! This Lemony Mint Pesto Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh flavors and is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a light lunch option. The combination of mint, basil, and lemon in the pesto adds a refreshing kick to classic pasta salad ingredients.
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta. 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves. 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves. 2 cloves garlic. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1/4 cup pine nuts. 1/4 cup olive oil. 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Salt and pepper to taste. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved. 1/2 cup cucumber, diced. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced. 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled.
Instructions: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool. In a food processor, combine the fresh mint leaves, basil leaves, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Pulse until finely chopped. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice until the pesto is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Pour the lemony mint pesto over the pasta salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve as a refreshing side dish or a light summer meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
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