Pasta Salad with Bell Pepper Pesto and Caciocavallo Cheese
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Casarecce pasta | 320g |
| Sliced almonds | 30g |
| Caciocavallo cheese | 100g |
| Fresh basil | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Red bell pepper | 1 |
| Yellow bell pepper | 1 |
| Whole almonds | 40g |
| Grana Padano DOP cheese | 50g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bell Pepper Pesto:
Begin by preparing the bell peppers. Wash them thoroughly, remove the stems, and clean the insides. Cut the peppers into chunks.
Blanch the bell pepper pieces in boiling salted water for about two minutes. Once they are softened, immediately transfer them into a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. -
Blend the Pesto:
In a blender or food processor, combine the blanched peppers, 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 40g of whole almonds, 50g of grated Grana Padano, 1 peeled garlic clove, and fresh basil leaves to taste. Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, compact consistency. Transfer the pesto into a bowl, cover it, and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. -
Toast the Almonds:
While the pesto chills, toast the sliced almonds in a dry non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring often until golden brown and fragrant. Remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the casarecce pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold running water to cool it down. -
Assemble the Dish:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chilled bell pepper pesto. Add the toasted sliced almonds, cubed Caciocavallo cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a few extra basil leaves. Season with salt to taste. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the pesto sauce. Serve the pasta salad in individual bowls or plates and garnish with additional basil if desired. This refreshing and savory dish is perfect for warm days or as a satisfying side for your main meal.
Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of black pepper just before serving!
Enjoy this vibrant, creamy, and utterly delicious pasta salad with bell pepper pesto and Caciocavallo cheese—a dish that combines rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and a touch of elegance. Perfect for any gathering or a refreshing weeknight dinner!
