Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or picnics. This delightful recipe combines al dente pasta with fresh basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and nutrient-rich spinach. Packed with protein from chickpeas and enhanced by the creamy texture of mozzarella balls, this salad is not only delicious but also versatile—allowing you to incorporate your favorite vegetables and proteins. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes and easy to customize, this Pesto Pasta Salad is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cooked)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 7 oz basil pesto
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red apple vinegar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, red onion, mozzarella balls, olives, and chickpeas.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together basil pesto, olive oil, and red apple vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature; garnish with extra basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Find it online: https://juliataste.com/pesto-pasta-salad-recipe/