What Vegetable Goes Best With Pesto Pasta?
Pesto is an Italian sauce that typically contains basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This favorite pasta topping pairs well with a variety of vegetables for a delicious, filling meal. Here are some of the best vegetables to go with pesto pasta.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are widely available and provide a great flavor and texture complement to pesto. They can be added fresh, diced or sliced. Or, top your pasta with classic marinara sauce and diced tomatoes.
Eggplant
Eggplant gives a deep earthy flavor profile and soft texture to pesto pasta. It can be added cooked or grilled, and has a great taste when it absorbs the oil from the pesto sauce.
Garlic
Garlic is a common ingredient in pesto, and provides a rich flavor when added in addition to what is already included in the pesto sauce. Use thinly sliced garlic to prevent it from overpowering the dish.
Kale or Spinach
Adding leafy greens to a pasta dish can boost nutritional value. Kale and spinach add a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the pesto. You can add the greens raw, or cook them in olive oil until wilted.
Broccoli
Broccoli adds a pop of color and texture to your meal. This vegetable can be boiled and added to pasta while still retaining some firmness. Its strong flavor stands up to pesto without being too overpowering.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are the perfect topping for pesto pasta. With its earthy flavor, mushrooms blend in with the pesto while providing a meaty texture. Fry some mushrooms in olive oil and garlic before spooning them over your pasta.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a great vegetable to pair with pesto.
When steamed or boiled, it has a sweet and delicate flavor. The classic combination of asparagus and Parmesan cheese also pairs nicely with pesto pasta.
When looking for the perfect accompaniment to pesto pasta, think about adding one or more of these vegetables. With a variety of options, you can make your pesto pasta meal a flavor-packed and nutritious experience.
