Plants don’t really grow for me. I’m not a great gardener. I wish I was. Moving around every couple of years doesn’t help because once I finally figure out what grows in that specific region, we pick up and move. One thing I do grow, despite my black thumb, is herbs. I have a few pots and each year in early summer I plant basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, mint, and cilantro. Each little plant costs about $2 (the same price I’d pay in the store for a few sprigs) and I have herbs for about six months out of the year. If you use herbs often in your cooking, growing your own can save you quite a bit of money at the grocery store.
One of my favorite things to make with fresh herbs is pesto. Basil is the most popular, but I like to change it up with chard, kale, olives, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes. I like to get creative for summer picnics by bringing “salad in a jar.” Pair this light, flavorful salad with some fruit, cured meat, and something bubbly and you’ve got a recipe for an enjoyable time with nature, even if you can’t grow your own garden.
For some gardening help, check out this excellent post:
How to Grow Your Own Indoor Culinary Herb Garden by Gourmande in the Kitchen
Serves 4
You can also make this salad in a large bowl instead of individual jars.
Save RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces penne pasta (whole wheat or rice pasta), cooked, drained and cooled
- 16 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1/2 cup mozzarella, cubed
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Place the basil, walnut, cheese, garlic and sea salt in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Process until smooth. With processor on, slowly add olive oil. Adjust salt to taste.
- Divide pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella and olive oil into 4 bowls or jars. Divide pesto evenly among jars. Shake or toss salad before serving.
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