2cupsfresh basil leavesloosely packed, rinsed and patted dry
1/2cupwalnut halves
Juice of 1 lemon2 Tbsp
1garlic clove
1/4cupextra virgin olive oil
Assembling the Salad:
1Tbspolive oil
24frozen raw medium easy-peel shrimp
1/2tspcoarse salt
1package12 oz whole wheat spiral pasta
1cupcherry tomatoesrinsed and quartered
1large raw zucchini diced
1large yellow bell pepperdiced
Instructions
In a food processor, combine the basil, walnuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Process for a few seconds, then, with motor still running, slowly pour 1/4 cup olive oil through the feed tube and process until smooth.
Set aside.
Quickly defrost the shrimp by rinsing in cold water and peel; pat dry with paper towel and set aside.
Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package directions (It should be “al dente”) . Drain and rinse under cold water and drain again. Set aside to cool down.
Meanwhile place 1 Tbsp olive oil on a cast iron grill pan over high heat and grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Do not overcook. Set aside.
Place all the diced vegetables in a big salad bowl, add the cooled pasta, grilled shrimp and basil pesto.