Fusilli and Snow Pea Salad with Lemon and Pesto

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of fusilli pasta
• 1 cup of snow peas, trimmed and cut in half
• 1/2 cup of pesto
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fusilli pasta according to the package directions.
2. During the last minute of cooking the pasta, add the snow peas to the pot and cook them until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
3. Drain the pasta and snow peas and rinse them with cold water. Then, transfer them to a large bowl and set aside.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, lemon juice, and olive oil until they are thoroughly combined.
5. Pour the pesto mixture over the pasta and snow peas, tossing to coat them evenly.
6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and toss again gently to mix.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. When ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasonings as needed.

Verdict:

This fuss-free Fusilli and Snow Pea Salad is a delicious, healthy, and refreshing summer dish. The combination of tender pasta, crunchy snow peas, zesty lemon, and savory pesto creates a well-balanced and flavorful salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats and vegetables, or enjoy it as a main dish by adding some grilled shrimp or chicken.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish the salad with some chopped roasted almonds, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds for added crunch and texture.
• If you are not a fan of snow peas, you can replace them with sugar snap peas, asparagus, or broccoli florets.
• This salad is also great for a summer picnic or potluck, as it can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.