Italian Recipe - Pesto Pasta Salad

Our Pesto Pasta Salad is a great go-to lunch perfect to portion out and enjoy all week long! In fact, it has become a frequent favorite for our kids' school lunches. It is a filling meal that can be served cold or at room temperature. Add your favorite vegetables, protein, and cheese, and it's a win-win every time!

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Astorino Cavatelli pasta
• 1/4 cup Migliarese Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 T balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1 cup frozen peas or other vegetable of your choice
• 1 cup diced ham, chicken or shrimp
• Sliced sun-dried tomatoes

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta to your desired taste, approximately 12 to 13 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and pesto. Whisk until well-combined. Stir in the diced ham and sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Pour the frozen peas into the colander you will use to drain the pasta. This will thaw the peas to the perfect temperature. 
4. Add the pasta and peas to the remaining ingredients in the bowl. Mix well to evenly incorporate all the ingredients. 

Enjoy with a white wine like Italo Cescon Riesling.