Description
Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive potlucks. This refreshing salad combines perfectly cooked pasta with a homemade basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella, creating a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s not only quick to prepare but also highly customizable—add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy it warm or chilled, making it a versatile option for any meal. With its fresh ingredients and wholesome flavors, Pesto Pasta Salad is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (bite-sized pieces)
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Make the pesto: In a food processor, blend basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, toss cooked pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and additional seasonings if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg