Tangy Pesto Potato Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• 4 pounds of new potatoes
• 1 cup of pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of cooked cubed chicken breast (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Total preparation time: about 1 hour (including cooking time)
• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and cut into bite-sized pieces. Boil in salted water until tender, then drain and allow to cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pesto sauce and olive oil. Mix well.
4. Add the chopped red onion and cherry tomatoes to the pesto mixture and stir to combine.
5. Add the cooked potatoes and cubed chicken (if using) and mix gently to combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) and serve.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on average values, actual nutritional content may vary)

• Calories: Approx. 500 per serving (without chicken), 700-800 with chicken
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Protein: 20-30g (with chicken)

Dish Characteristics:

• Tangy and flavorful, with a creamy pesto base and fresh tomato components.
• The combination of potatoes and pesto creates a rich and satisfying dish.
• Can be served as a main course or as a side dish, depending on the amount served.

User Comments:

1. "This is an excellent dish! The pesto gives it a great flavor, and the potatoes are cooked to perfection."
2. "I added grilled shrimp instead of chicken, and it was delicious. A great summer salad."
3. "My family loved this dish. It's a perfect blend of flavors and textures."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh potatoes that are in season for best results.
• Adjust the amount of pesto and olive oil according to your desired taste.
• If you prefer a lower-fat option, you can reduce the amount of olive oil used.
• This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.