Pesto Pasta Salad
This vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for any occasion, from summer picnics to potluck gatherings. Bursting with flavor, this salad features al dente pasta paired with a creamy homemade basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and delightful pepperoncini. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. The freshness of the ingredients makes every bite a treat, and it tastes even better after marinating in the fridge. Enjoy it as a main course or side dish; either way, it’s sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: No-Cook/Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
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 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a food processor, blend basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, red onion, and parsley. Toss gently to mix well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://goldenrecipetime.com/pesto-pasta-salad/