Pesto Pasta Salad
Elevate your next gathering with this vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad, a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Perfect for lunch or as a potluck dish, this recipe features perfectly cooked pasta coated in creamy basil pesto, complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes and mild mozzarella. With its quick 30-minute prep time, this colorful salad offers versatility—enjoy it as a main dish or a side at barbecues and family dinners. Not only does every bite burst with freshness, but it’s also an easy recipe to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz mozzarella (cut into bite-sized 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, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the pesto.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and any additional veggies. Toss well to coat evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://myrecipestories.com/pesto-pasta-salad/