Pesto Pasta Salad
Enjoy a delightful Pesto Pasta Salad that’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to prepare—all in under 30 minutes! This dish features perfectly cooked pasta tossed with homemade basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. It’s a versatile option that works beautifully as a main dish or a side for any gathering. With its rich flavors and colorful presentation, this salad is sure to impress your guests while keeping your meal prep stress-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into small pieces)
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella. Toss until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://kitchenbyskylar.com/pesto-pasta-salad/