Description
Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch, potluck, or picnic. With fresh basil pesto mixed with perfectly cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and a hint of lemon, this salad is not only delicious but also comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for customization with your favorite veggies or proteins. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite while knowing you’re indulging in a healthy meal packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (bite-sized pieces)
- 3 cups basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- Lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a food processor, blend basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the pesto.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and any additional veggies or proteins you prefer. Toss well to combine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg