Well well well! Happy Good Friday to you! What a day yesterday to say the least. I am really excited about the generosity and kind words you had to say about the clothing line and the giveaway; I greatly appreciate it.
As you recall on Wednesday I had asked for some advice on what to take to work for our potluck yesterday. After getting some great advice and options, I chose two items. For the main course I went with a crowd favorite and somewhat of a staple around here - chicken fried rice. As for the salad/appetizer I went with the recipe featured below.
A pungent pesto pasta salad which included homemade pesto, fresh market vegetables and penne pasta. Overall the potluck was a success as there was lots of variety and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I did not take any pictures as there were a lot of people around and I didn’t have my good camera… please forgive me.
Here is a quick look at what went in the salad:
Ingredients
- 1 Lb. Raw Penne Pasta ( cooked )
- Double batch of basil pesto ( see recipe for details )
- 3/4 Cup Carrot sticks
- 1 Yellow Pepper ( sliced )
- 1 Red Pepper ( sliced )
- 1 Cup Grape Tomatoes
- 1 Green Pepper ( sliced )
- 2 Tbsp. Pine Nuts
- 1/8 Cup Parmesan cheese ( grated )
Method
- Cook pasta according to instructions and let cool.
- Prepare basil pesto according to instructions.
- Slice peppers in long strips and then cut in half.
- Dry roast pine nuts in saute pan until lightly brown.
- Place pasta in large mixing bowl and add peppers, carrots and tomatoes.
- Add pesto and mix gently trying not to bruise the tomatoes.
- Top with toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.
- ENJOY!
Zesty Tip: When dressing salads, it is very helpful to actually put the dressing at the bottom of the bowl and all the ingredients on top. Then use a tossing motion with your utensils to gently mix the ingredients together lifting from the bottom and folding on top. This is essential when dressing delicate greens. This is not so crucial with a cold pasta salad.
I want to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Easter and I look forward to coming back on Monday with some more fun and exciting stories. Have a great weekend.
Take care
zesty
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Whether it is about recipes, food techniques, food tips, or meal suggestions in a rush - this is your one stop food shop. When I was sitting at home - I always wanted to write a blog and help people in everyday life come up with innovative and different approaches to food. So here it is - released for all to see - I hope you enjoy!
Haha that’s a lot of Ps for one dish
Happy Easter, Zesty!
Zesty, I never like pasta salads, but this one looks incredible! I’m saving the recipe
Anything with your pesto must be delicious! Happy Easter, I hope there are some colored eggs in your near future!
PESTO PERFECTION!!
Happy Easter to ya!!
All the colors remind me of Spring =)
Happy Easter!
Zesty, you’ve outdone yourself again!! I love pesto, and this looks fantastic!! OH! Did you see my blogroll button? do you approve??
I definitely just added this recipe to my computer recipe file. Happy Easter to you as well!
happy easter!
Your pasta salad is so colorful and it looks delicious! I am hereby renaming it the triple P salad.
That sounds incredible!! I love pesto!
Yum!That pesto looks rich and divine!!
~Justine
WHat a great tip about tossing salads and dressing on the bottom. I would have NEVER thought of that! I am going to try this out next time.
Happy Easter Zesty! So glad to see the menu included your pesto. You know I love it!
pesto is a weakness of mine! that looks amazzzzzzzing!
Sounds delicious!
This looks amazing. I am very excited reading your post and this is awesome recipe.