Description
Discover the delightful freshness of Pesto Pasta Salad, a vibrant and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. Bursting with flavor from homemade basil pesto, this salad combines al dente pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and zesty pepperoncini. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or looking to impress at gatherings, this salad is your go-to choice. Best of all, it takes just 30 minutes to whip up and can be made ahead of time for extra convenience. Treat yourself and your guests to this nutritious, colorful pasta dish that promises to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into 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 in salted boiling water according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Process until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the prepared pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, pepperoncini, and parsley. Toss until well mixed. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg