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Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Bacon

Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Bacon

Anna Chwistek
This quick fix salad is super easy to make and comes together in about 20 minutes. Tossed with an insanely delicious pesto dressing packed with sun-dried tomatoes and finished off with toasted caper breadcrumbs for a delicious crunch.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 474 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 9 ounces pasta
  • 2 ounces grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes more for serving
  • 7 ounces salted bacon bits
  • oil from sun-dried tomatoes
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp capers
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Red Pesto

  • 5.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes drained, oil reserved
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup basil leaves
  • 1 ounce toasted pine nuts
  • 1 ounces grated Parmesan
  • ¼ cup oil from the sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add the pasta to a large pot of boiling, generously salted water. Cook until al dente. Drain.
  • In the meantime, make the red pesto. Combine the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend, until everything is thoroughly combined, but still has some texture. If too dry or too thick, add a few tablespoons water.
  • Make the caper breadcrumbs. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat, add 2 tbsp oil. Then the panko together with capers. Cook, stirring occasionally until the breadcrumbs are toasted, about 3 minutes. Add red pepper flakes, season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Transfer the breadcrumbs onto a plate.
  • In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium high heat. Add bacon, cook until crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
  • Add pasta and 3-4 heaped tablespoons red pesto to a mixing bowl, toss to combine. Add bacon, shaved Parmesan and breadcrumbs, toss to combine. Garnish with red pepper flakes and extra black pepper.
  • Enjoy, at room temperature for best flavor/texture.

Video

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Nutrition

Calories: 474kcalCarbohydrates: 81gProtein: 22gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 802mgPotassium: 1655mgFiber: 8gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 960IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 276mgIron: 5mg
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