Anytime Pesto Prawn Pasta Salad Recipes

PASTA SALAD WITH PESTO & PRAWNS

Steps:

• Plunge the pasta into a large pan of salted boiling water and cook according to packet instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta into a colander and hold it under cold running water to cool it down quickly.
• Shake off the excess water and tip the pasta into a large bowl. Toss in 1 tbsp olive oil to coat thoroughly (this helps stop the pasta from sticking together), then add the prawns.
• Mix the pesto, mayonnaise and lemon or lime juice with some salt and pepper to taste. If you need to slacken the mixture a bit, stir in a little more olive oil. Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta and prawns and give everything a good stir. Add the parsley and basil leaves and stir again, then pile into your serving dish and serve scattered with extra shredded basil leaves, plus lemon wedges for squeezing over the salad.

SHRIMP PESTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain pasta and place in a large mixing bowl. Toss pasta in olive oil.
• While the pasta boils, steam shrimp in a steamer basket over boiling water. Time will depend on the size of the shrimp, but you will know they are cooked through when the shrimp is pink and makes a C shape.
• Slice steamed shrimp into bite size pieces and cut cherry tomatoes into quarters. Add them to the mixing bowl with the cooked pasta and basil ribbons.
• In a small mixing bowl whisk together pesto, white balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Pour pesto mixture into the large mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients.
• Toss to combine fully. Top with extra basil and freshly grated parmesan to serve.