Pesto Pasta Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Pesto Pasta Salad, a refreshing dish that perfectly combines the earthy notes of basil pesto with colorful vegetables and creamy mozzarella. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this salad can be whipped up in under 30 minutes and is perfect for meal prep. The delightful medley of cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepperoncini adds a crisp contrast to the rich pesto dressing, making it a crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a light lunch or as a side at a potluck, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
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
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 3 cups basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with pesto and add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, pepperoncini, and parsley. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for enhanced flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Find it online: https://kitchensecretstips.com/pesto-pasta-salad/