Description
Pesto pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines the bright flavors of fresh basil pesto with tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing lunch, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and can be easily customized to suit your tastes. With its vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients, this salad not only pleases the palate but also makes an appealing addition to any table. Enjoy it chilled on greens, paired with grilled chicken, or as a side at your next barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 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 al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and red onion. Toss to combine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg