Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with a fresh basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. This easy-to-make salad is ideal for various occasions, from casual lunches to festive potlucks. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a delicious dish that bursts with color and taste, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. The versatility of this recipe allows for customization with seasonal vegetables or proteins, ensuring each serving is just as unique as the occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- 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
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- Juice of 1 tablespoon lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a food processor, blend basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with pesto. Add cherry tomatoes and mozzarella; mix until well combined.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://ketodeliciousdishes.com/pesto-pasta-salad/