Pasta Salad with Pesto Dressing

Yield8 Servings

A chilled pasta salad is always a treat, especially when tossed in this piquant basil dressing.

Pesto Dressing

2 cups fresh parsley

1 cup pine nuts or raw cashews

4 garlic cloves, pressed

½ cup chopped fresh basil or more to taste

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nondairy substitute)

½ cup water

2 cups eggless mayonnaise

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Salad

3 cups frozen green peas, thawed

2 pounds fusilli, cooked, rinsed and drained

1 cup sliced scallions

2 cups pitted black olives

2 cups halved tomatoes

Note

for a gluten-free alternative, use a similarly shaped gluten-free pasta.

Dressing

Combine first 6 ingredients in a blender or food processor and whirl until pureed.

Add eggless mayonnaise and lemon juice. Process until well blended. Season with salt and pepper.

Salad

Drain peas. Combine with other salad ingredients in a large serving bowl.

Pour pesto dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve at room temperature.

Note: Fresh basil is always preferred in pesto recipes.

Serves 8

Nutrition Facts

Servings 16