Pesto Pasta Salad
Experience the delightful blend of flavors and colors in this Pesto Pasta Salad, perfect for any occasion. With vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a homemade basil pesto dressing, this salad is not only quick to make but also a feast for the eyes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal dish for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing lunch. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personal touch, making it a versatile option that is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 3 cups basil leaves (for pesto)
- 1/2 cup olive oil (for pesto)
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (for pesto)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for pesto)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a food processor, blend basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the pesto.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with prepared pesto. Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and red onion. Toss well to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://juliataste.com/pesto-pasta-salad/