What's in a four P salad? Pasta, pesto sauce, frozen peas and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. That's it! The result is a zesty, aromatic pasta salad that is the perfect complement to burgers, grilled chicken, ribs, steaks or simply a potluck side dish. Here's another pea salad I think you'll enjoy, Old Fashioned Pea Salad.
1cuppestostore-bought or better yet, make your own fresh pesto - it's easy!
½cupparmesan cheesefresh grated for garnish
Instructions
Place all three pasta types in boiling water, add salt and cook for 10 - 11 minutes or until pasta is slightly past the al dente stage, you'll want the pasta to be soft. Drain and rinse with cold water, just enough to take the steam off the hot pasta, but it can still be warm. Place pasta in a large bowl and add frozen peas. Stir gently to help defrost the peas. Add 1 cup pesto and stir to combine. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve right away, or cover and let the flavors mingle until the next day. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Delicious.
Notes
I recommend using fresh pesto in this recipe, but in a pinch, store-bought works fine - but be sure to use frozen peas. Four P Salad goes great with pizza, top the crust with Garlic Parmesan Pizza Sauce for an incredible flavor combination with this pasta salad.