Pesto Pasta Salad
Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion? This Pesto Pasta Salad is your answer! Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, it combines perfectly cooked pasta with a homemade basil pesto, fresh vegetables, and a touch of cheese. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a satisfying lunch option, this salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it a fantastic choice year-round. Plus, with the ability to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients, this recipe promises to become a staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into small pieces)
- 3 cups basil leaves
- ½ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a food processor, blend basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and any additional veggies you prefer. Toss well to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://chadrecipes.com/pesto-pasta-salad/