Basil Pesto Potato Salad Recipes

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a large steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 20 minutes, or until they are cooked though, but the skins remain intact. Set them aside until they are cool enough to handle. Quarter the potatoes and put them in a large bowl. Add the peppers and the pesto and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and chill.
• Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over a medium heat until fragrant and golden brown, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes. In a food processor, process the pine nuts and the garlic until minced. Add the basil, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice and process until finely minced. With processor on, slowly pour the oil down the food chute. Process until well blended. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a pot with cold water and add some salt. Cover, bring to a boil and boil until fork-tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain, cut in half and transfer to a bowl.
• Toast the pine nuts in a skillet over low heat until just light golden, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Mix together the mayonnaise, olive oil, pesto, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• Pour half the dressing over the potatoes and toss to combine. Sprinkle over the pine nuts and stir in. Add more dressing to taste.
• Cover and refrigerate the potato salad for a few hours. To serve, sprinkle lots of small basil leaves over the top.

Steps:

• For this recipe, use the tiniest new potatoes you can find; I used fresh baby potatoes from a farmers' market that were about the size of marbles. My potatoes were leftovers, so they were already boiled, but feel free to cook potatoes if needed; it will take longer to make this recipe though.
• In a mixing bowl, place the potatoes, onions, bacon and chives; lightly toss together.
• In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayo and pesto; feel free to add more pesto if you wish.
• Add pesto mixture to potatoes and combine; taste. It will need salt and pepper.
• Chill for at least one hour before serving to let the flavours blend; taste before serving as it may need more salt. If desired, sprinkle parmesan over top of salad before serving; it's not necessary but it adds another flavour element to the salad that I felt went well.
• This recipe would easily double, if not triple.

Steps:

• Blanch whole basil leaves in boiling water for 1 minute; drain. Run under cold water; drain and squeeze out any excess water. Place basil in kitchen towel and squeeze out water. Transfer basil to processor. Add 1/2 cup oil; process until basil is very finely chopped. Transfer to small bowl and season with salt. DO AHEAD Basil oil can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.
• Whisk vinegar and mustard in small bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir in red onion and 3 tablespoons thinly sliced basil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
• Place potatoes in large saucepan. Add enough water to cover potatoes by 1 inch. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until tender, about 17 minutes. Drain. Let potatoes stand until just cool enough to handle. Cut into 3/4-inch cubes and place in large bowl. Drizzle dressing over warm potatoes and toss gently to coat. Pour basil oil over potatoes; toss gently to coat. Serve potato salad warm or at room temperature.