Sicilian Pesto Pasta Salad

Name: Sicilian Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6

15 MINPrep Time

10 MINCook Time

6 to 8Servings

(3)

by Giadzy

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Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman

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This bright summery Sicilan pesto, known as Pesto Alla Trapanese, is a little different than the verdant green pesto we all know and love: it stars cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, basil, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil and Parm. The result is a sauce that hits all the flavor notes of fresh, sweet, herbaceous, spicy and savory… and it’s perfect served on pasta.

Serve this up as a warm pasta, or as a pasta salad; this is one of those dishes that is delicious no matter what temperature you eat it.

Sicilian Pesto Pasta Salad

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Servings

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Ingredients

For the pesto:

½ cup toasted slivered almonds
1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
1 cup packed basil leaves
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup extra virgin olive oil

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½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

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To assemble:

1 pound caserecce or other short pasta shape
½ cup toasted slivered almonds

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2 cups arugula
8 ounces mozzarella pearls, drained

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
To make the pesto, place the garlic and almonds in the bowl of a food processor or high powered blender. Pulse together until finely chopped. Add the basil, tomatoes, salt, pepper flakes and pulse again to combine. With the motor running add the oil in a thin stream until combined. Remove the sauce to a large mixing bowl and stir in the parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and add to the mixing bowl with the sauce and stir to combine. Add the almonds, arugula, and mozzarella pearls and stir to incorporate.
Serve immediately, or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Nutrition Serving Size: 6
per serving: Calories; 753

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Carbs: 66 grams
Protein: 29 grams
Fat: 43 grams
Saturated Fat: 11 grams
Cholestrol: 38 milligrams
Sodium: 552 milligrams
Fiber: 6 grams
Sugar: 5 grams

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4 comments

aaron - Aug 13

★★★★★

★★★★★

Outstanding! Was the hit of Fourth of July and everyone asked for the recipe. It will be an encore for our Feast of the Assumption celebration next week.
Marc - Jul 05

★★★★★

★★★★★

This recipe comes together very quickly and is absolutely delicious! I am a household of 2, so I halved the recipe…that was a big mistake! Next time I will make the full recipe so we have more of it to devour! Thank you Giada for another recipe that will be permanently added to our rotation.
Mary - Jul 05

★★★★★

★★★★★

Easy and delicious! A keeper!
David - Jun 25

Thanks for the yummy food