Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish combining tender pasta with basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant greens. Perfect for summer meals, picnics, or potlucks, it can be served warm or chilled and is easily customizable with added proteins or veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
- 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with basil pesto until evenly coated.
- Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach, red onion, and nuts. Toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent sticking before mixing.
- Use homemade pesto for the freshest flavor or store-bought for convenience.
- Add extra olive oil or pesto before serving if the salad seems dry.
- Perfect make-ahead salad for picnics or meal prep.
- Try using sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pesto-pasta-salad/
