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.
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
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.servingdumplings.com/web-stories/red-pesto-pasta-salad-with-bacon/" title="Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Bacon" poster="https://www.servingdumplings.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/red-pesto-pasta-salad-with-bacon-cover-4a892770-640x853.jpg" width="360" height="600" align="none"]