Description
A vibrant and flavorful Pesto Potato Salad featuring tender baby potatoes tossed in a fresh homemade basil pesto, enhanced with toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and a zesty lemon twist. Perfect as a warm or chilled side dish, optionally garnished with hard-boiled eggs for added protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Toppings
- 2 pounds mixed baby potatoes
- 4 hard-boiled eggs (optional)
Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Cooked garlic (from boiling step)
Additional
- Butter, melted (quantity as needed for tossing)
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes and Garlic: Place the baby potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the water and let the potatoes steam in the pot for 20 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked and fluffy.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked garlic, fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a fresh basil pesto.
- Toss Potatoes with Pesto and Butter: In a large serving bowl, halve the cooked baby potatoes and gently toss them with melted butter and the prepared pesto sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat the potatoes evenly and enhance their flavor. Adjust seasoning with salt or additional lemon juice if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pesto potato salad warm or chilled according to preference. Garnish with extra pesto on top and add optional sliced hard-boiled eggs for a protein boost and appealing presentation.
Notes
- Boiling the potatoes until fork-tender ensures they are cooked through but still hold their shape.
- Steaming the potatoes in the pot after draining helps remove excess moisture for a better texture.
- Use freshly toasted pine nuts for maximum flavor in the pesto.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level in the pesto.
- This salad can be served warm as a comforting dish or chilled for a refreshing side.
- Hard-boiled eggs are optional but add richness and protein when included.
