Lunche for 8
Pesto Pasta Salad
Cooked pasta is tossed with basil pesto, creamy mayonnaise, vegetables, mozzarella, and arugula for a chilled salad.
$6.31for 4 servings
$1.58 per serving$6.31 for 4
Typical price: Salefork's estimate of an everyday US shelf price for each ingredient. Pick your city to price it from this week's ad.
Photo: themodernproper.com
- 30 minstart to table
- Mediumdifficulty
- 8servings as written
- $typical cost tier
ItalianVegetarianKid-friendlyBudgetLunchesBack to schoolSummer
What it costs
Pick your city to see which ingredients are on sale
| Ingredient | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil)$1.49 each typical | 0.75 | $1.12Typical price |
| Parmesan$0.55/oz typical | 2.75 oz | $1.44Typical price |
| Nuts and seeds$0.70/oz typical | 2 oz | $1.38Typical price |
| Garlic$0.75 each typical | 0.25 | $0.11Typical price |
| Pasta$0.10/oz typical | 16 oz | $1.60Typical price |
| Lemons and limes$0.60 each typical | 1 | $0.60Typical price |
| Juice, soda and mixers$0.04/oz typical | 0.5 oz | $0.02Typical price |
| Mozzarella$0.30/oz typical | 4 oz | $1.20Typical price |
| Cherry and grape tomatoes$0.30/oz typical | 11 oz | $3.18Typical price |
| Red onions$1.49/lb typical | a little | $0.12Typical price |
| Bok choy and napa cabbage$1.99/lb typical | 0.25 lb | $0.50Typical price |
| Total for the servings shown | $12.62 | |
Pantry staples you likely have
Salt and pepperCooking spray, shortening, ghee, coconut and sesame oilMustard, mayo, ketchup
Not included in the cost.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp pine nuts
- 1 1/2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp sea salt plus more to taste (optional)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
- 1 lb pasta
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
Steps
- Boil the pasta in salted water until tender, about 9 to 11 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Blend the basil, Parmesan, three tablespoons pine nuts, garlic, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Whisk the pesto with the mayonnaise and more lemon juice in a large bowl.
- Add the cooled pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, onion, arugula, and remaining pine nuts, then toss well.
- Season with salt and pepper, and chill the salad for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Swaps
- Red onions for Onionsabout $0.20/lb less at typical prices
- Mozzarella for Cheddar and shredded cheeseabout the same price
- Pasta for Egg noodlesabout $0.04/oz more at typical prices
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