A simple meatless dinner idea, this Pasta with Pesto, Feta and Cherry Tomatoes is fast and inexpensive.
A couple of weeks ago, I was out weeding my garden. Not my favorite chore. It was super hot outside already, even though it was still early in the day. As I was sitting there, baking in the sun, I started wondering if having a garden is really worth it.
But as I sat down to dinner with a plate of this pasta in front of me, I realized it is definitely worth it. The tomatoes and the basil for the pesto came straight from the garden – picked right before eating them. It made me remember that the payout is much bigger than the work you have to put into it. There is nothing like fresh food straight from the backyard!
Since there are 5 Fridays this month, you get this bonus 5th Cookbook of the Month recipe. Plus the review below! This recipe was really quite good. We ate it at room temperature, but I’m sure it’s going to be good cold out of the refrigerator as well. And it was super cheap to make – especially with part of the ingredients coming from my backyard!
Pasta with Pesto, Feta and Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 pound bow tie pasta
- 3/4 cup Pesto recipe follows
- 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- salt and pepper
- olive oil as needed
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Stir in the bow ties and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water just until it stops steaming. Bounce the pasta around to get rid of as much water as you can.
- Dump the pasta into a large serving bowl.
- Stir in the pesto until the pasta is coated.
- Toss in the cherry tomatoes and the crumbled feta.
- Taste the salad and season it as you like with salt and pepper.
- You can make the salad up to about 1 hour before you serve it. Check out the salt and pepper just before you serve the salad. If it’s looking a little dry, add some olive oil and stir it around.
anita says
i made this dish last night- super-easy and delicious. a perfect summer meal.
Colleen says
This recipe looks yummy – and thanks for the cookbook review!
thecookieshopinenglish says
I'm so jealous you have a garden! And I love your book reviews!
Abby says
I'm thisclose to buying Scoop for myself for my birthday (next Friday!) I've read nothing but rave reviews for it!
And I'm glad my dad has a garden. I can't possibly keep up with
one at this point in my life.
Kristen says
Oh I love the perfect scoop!!
This looks like such a delicious recipe. Love the pesto and feta combo!
Nancy@ifevolutionworks.com says
This recipe looks amazing!!! I love a great pesto.
Sophie says
A meal made with food from your own garden? Always a treat. I cannot wait to settle down and finally be able to plant a garden :).
Rosa's Yummy Yums says
You can't go wrong with such a delicious combo!
Cheers,
Rosa
Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer says
That is one incredible combination!! WOW looks great!
SHM says
Looks very refreshing and delicious!
Ingrid says
Feta and pesto are awesome together though I like it cold. So refreshing for summer!
~ingrid
kat says
A dish like that is always best with fresh from the garden veggies