Pesto Pasta Salad

Always gluten free, my pesto pasta salad is delicious, simple, vegetarian, & the perfect cold pasta dish to enjoy in the heat of Summer! I designed this recipe to be a big batch for Summer parties, but just cut it in half if you're making at home for a smaller crowd of 2-3 people. Try out this scrumptious recipe below.

Ingredients

• 2 boxes (12 oz.) Jovial gluten free Farfalle - I highly recommend using Jovial as most gluten free pasta sucks as leftovers & gets mushy as fuck. I always cook the pasta for less time as well - about 6 minutes.

• 1-2 pints cherry tomatoes (I used 1 pint & then added a few fresh tomatoes on top of each dish to serve) - local & always tastes better - that goes for all produce

• 2.5 oz. arugula

• 1 bunch of fresh basil (or parsley, if your local grocer is out of basil like mine was)

• 6 cloves garlic - go for more if you love garlic as much as me!

• grated Parmesan, about 2 oz.

• extra virgin olive oil - you really have to just eye it, but about 3/4 cup should do

• a couple squeezes of fresh lemon juice

• about 1/2 cup pingnoli nuts

• sea salt to flavor

• optional toppings: shaved Parmesan, wee mozzarella balls, cracked black pepper, fresh basil

The Process

• start by boiling your water (always add sea salt to water)

• add your pasta to the boiling water & cook less than the allotted time (about 6 minutes) - taste to make sure it's cooked to your liking then strain

• cool off your pasta with cold running water in the strainer

• once all of your pasta is cooled, place in a bowl, mix in some olive oil & then place in the fridge, covered for at least 30 minutes

• make your pesto while the pasta cools by blending together the following in a food processor: basil, garlic, grated parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, & pingnoli - click here for full pesto recipe!

• chop the cherry tomatoes

• once your pasta has cooled for 30 minutes, mix in your pesto

• once your pesto is fully mixed into all the pasta, add in the arugula & cherry tomatoes

• serve once everything is mixed together, or return to the fridge for your party!

Enjoy & wow all your party guests or goers!