Pesto Pasta Salad

We recently went to a Field Day for my husband's work during which we stuffed our faces with grilled chicken sandwiches, potato chips and a delicious pesto pasta salad. My husband fell in love with the salad at first bite and immediately turned to me and said that I absolutely had to recreate it at home.

I was determined to make this tasty dish as similar to the "real deal" as possible but I also wanted to toss into the mix a little of my flare to really kick the flavors up a notch.

With all of the fresh Basil in my backyard, I got to work preparing my Fresh Basil Pesto. With just a few more ingredients I was able to replicate the delicious Pesto Pasta Salad that we had at the Field Day.

The pasta salad was a huge hit not only in my home but also at a Memorial Day barbeque. Even though it made a large amount of pasta salad, it was devoured in no time.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb box of Gemelli
• Fresh Basil Pesto
• 1 cup sliced grape tomatoes
• 1 cup peeled and quartered cucumber
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook Gemelli according to directions on package; drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a serving bowl.
2. Add the remaining ingredients into a serving bowl and toss until the pasta is coated with the pesto and the other ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
3. Place in refrigerator and cover, allowing the flavors to blend until ready to serve.

What's your favorite type of pasta salad to eat during the warm summer months?

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