Pesto Pasta Salad

Health score
58%
Pesto Pasta Salad
45 min.
8
340kcal

Suggestions


Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances flavor and nutrition? Look no further than this delightful Pesto Pasta Salad! With its rich green hues and a medley of fresh ingredients, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. Packed with the aromatic goodness of basil and parsley, this dish brings a burst of freshness that is sure to elevate any meal.

In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a generous serving for eight people, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, picnics, or a simple family lunch. The creamy texture of Greek yogurt combined with the nutty flavor of toasted pine nuts creates a luscious dressing that clings beautifully to the pasta. And let’s not forget the juicy cherry tomatoes that add a pop of color and sweetness, making every bite a delightful experience.

With a health score of 58, this Pesto Pasta Salad is a balanced option that offers a satisfying mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a main course, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. So grab your food processor and get ready to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients!

Ingredients

  • cups basil fresh packed
  • cup parsley fresh packed
  •  garlic cloves chopped
  • pound gemelli 
  • pints grape tomatoes halved
  • cup percent greek yogurt plain
  • tablespoon juice of lemon 
  • 0.5 cup olive oil 
  • 0.5 cup parmesan grated
  • 0.3 teaspoon pepper 
  • 0.3 cup pinenuts toasted
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt 

Equipment

  • food processor
  • bowl

Directions

  1. Make pesto: In a food processor puree basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper and pine nuts until smooth. With motor running, add olive oil and process until a thick paste forms.
  2. Add Parmesan and pulse twice. Season with more salt and pepper, if desired.
  3. Make salad: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  4. Drain and run under cold water to stop cooking.
  5. In a large bowl, combine pesto and Greek yogurt and stir until well blended.
  6. Add cold pasta and toss to coat with dressing. Top with tomatoes.
  7. Serve salad at room temperature or cover and refrigerate to serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts

Calories340kcal
Protein16.99%
Fat24.8%
Carbs58.21%

Properties

Glycemic Index
28.63
Glycemic Load
1.51
Inflammation Score
-9
Nutrition Score
22.156522044021%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.09mg
Hesperetin
0.27mg
Naringenin
0.83mg
Apigenin
16.17mg
Luteolin
0.1mg
Kaempferol
0.22mg
Myricetin
1.29mg
Quercetin
0.73mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:340.14kcal
17.01%
Fat:9.48g
14.58%
Saturated Fat:1.91g
11.92%
Carbohydrates:50.04g
16.68%
Net Carbohydrates:46.16g
16.79%
Sugar:5.84g
6.49%
Cholesterol:5.5mg
1.83%
Sodium:268.73mg
11.68%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:14.61g
29.21%
Vitamin K:174.64µg
166.32%
Manganese:1.3mg
64.8%
Selenium:39.95µg
57.08%
Vitamin A:2143.94IU
42.88%
Vitamin C:28.92mg
35.06%
Phosphorus:256.63mg
25.66%
Copper:0.36mg
18.23%
Magnesium:72.7mg
18.17%
Potassium:556.81mg
15.91%
Calcium:155.21mg
15.52%
Fiber:3.88g
15.51%
Folate:49.99µg
12.5%
Iron:2.23mg
12.39%
Zinc:1.84mg
12.24%
Vitamin B6:0.24mg
11.89%
Vitamin E:1.76mg
11.76%
Vitamin B3:2.17mg
10.86%
Vitamin B2:0.18mg
10.36%
Vitamin B1:0.14mg
9.03%
Vitamin B5:0.54mg
5.37%
Vitamin B12:0.25µg
4.17%
Source:My Recipes