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Fresh Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Salad

Fresh Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Salad - featured image
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A fresh, simple, and flavorful pasta salad featuring mild garlic scape pesto, cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, perfect for summer meals and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–10 fresh garlic scapes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
  • 12 ounces (340 g) short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Toast 1/4 cup pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
  4. In a food processor, combine chopped garlic scapes, fresh basil leaves, cooled pine nuts, grated Parmesan, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Pulse until smooth but with some texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Pour the pesto over the cooled pasta and gently toss with a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly coated.
  6. Fold in halved cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls. Toss gently to combine without breaking the cheese.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon juice or salt to brighten flavors.
  8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.

Notes

Do not over-process the pesto to avoid bitterness. Toast pine nuts carefully to prevent burning. Use fresh, firm cherry tomatoes and cook pasta al dente. Reserve some pasta water to loosen pesto if needed. Mix gently when adding mozzarella to keep balls intact. The salad can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes. Leftovers keep up to 3 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pesto, pasta salad, summer recipe, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, easy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/fresh-garlic-scape-pesto-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-summer-dish/