Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

pasta salad with basil kale pesto

Recipe by
Lynn Clay
Portland, OR

This salad can be served as a Side Dish or as a Vegetarian Main Dish

yield 5 serving(s)
prep time 15 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For pasta salad with basil kale pesto

  • FOR THE BASIL KALE PESTO
  • 1 1/2 c
    fresh basil leaves, rinsed
  • 1 1/2 c
    fresh kale, rinsed and thick stems removed
  • 1 c
    arugula
  • 3 clove
    garlic
  • 2 Tbsp
    pumpkin seeds, lightly toasted
  • 1/4 tsp
    red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 c
    parmesan or pecorino-romano cheese
  • 2/3 c
    olive oil, extra virgin
  • OTHER SALAD INGREDIENTS
  • 1 lb
    orzo pasta
  • 2/3
    large yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped into small pieces
  • 8 oz
    grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 can
    15 oz can of cannellini beans
  • 1/4 c
    kalamata or black olives, sliced
  • 1 Tbsp
    olive oil, extra virgin

How To Make pasta salad with basil kale pesto

  • 1
    Put the basil, kale, arugula and garlic in a food processor, coarsely chopping to create enough room for the other ingredients.
  • 2
    Add the pumpkin seeds, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, cheese, and olive oil, and puree until it comes to a nice smooth consistency.
  • 3
    Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Do not overcook. Drain off the cooking water.
  • 4
    If you are making this to serve later, leave the orzo in the strainer and rinse with cold water. This helps prevent sticking and further cooking of the pasta. Take care to thoroughly drain the water, then return the cooked orzo to a large mixing bowl.
  • 5
    Stir the extra tablespoon of olive oil into the cooked orzo, then gradually stir in the pesto until it is completely coated. Set aside the remainder of the pesto to pass at the table.
  • 6
    Stir in the peppers, followed by the beans, tomatoes and olives.
  • 7
    Serve the salad with a side of extra pesto.

Categories & Tags for Pasta Salad with Basil Kale Pesto:

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT