Pesto Pasta

WHOEVER INVENTED THIS, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Easy, delicious, perfect summertime dish.  Pasta, thank you for existing!!


PESTO PASTA SALAD/ Asparagus

Pesto:

3 cups packed fresh basil
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbls. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. blk. pepper
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Salad:

1 lb. asparagus, cut into thirds
1 lb. spiral pasta, or any short pasta
2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved

Cook asparagus in salted, boiling water for about 4 minutes.  Drain and put in ice/ very cold water to keep crisp and green.
Cook pasta until al dente, drain and run under cold water, put aside.

Make pesto:
In food processor puree basil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and pine nuts till smooth.  Add olive oil while motor is running, and process till a thick paste forms.  Add Parmesan and pulse a couple of times.

Make salad:
In large bowl, combine pesto, cold pasta , tomatoes, and asparagus.  Serve at room temerature, or refrigerate to chill.   Serves 8