Pesto Pasta Salad
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Pesto Pasta Salad, a perfect blend of fresh ingredients that come together to create a delicious and vibrant dish. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a quick lunch, this salad features perfectly cooked pasta tossed with homemade basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. Not only is it easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, but it also allows for customization with your favorite vegetables or proteins. With its refreshing taste and colorful presentation, this salad is sure to impress at any gathering. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best experience!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (bite-sized pieces)
- 3 cups basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pieces, and any additional vegetables you prefer.
- Toss well to combine and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://teffrecipes.com/pesto-pasta-salad/