Pesto Pasta Salad
Brighten up your table with this vibrant and flavorful Pesto Pasta Salad, a perfect fusion of creamy homemade basil pesto and zesty Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Featuring tender al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and briny black olives, each bite is a delightful medley of textures and tastes. The pesto, made from fresh basil, Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and garlic blended to silky perfection with extra-virgin olive oil, adds an irresistible herbaceous freshness. Quick to prepare in just 25 minutes, this recipe is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a satisfying side dish for any meal. Customize it with a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness, and garnish with additional Parmesan or basil for an elegant finish. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this easy pesto pasta salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts (toasted)
- 2 units Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup Fresh mozzarella (cubed or pearl-sized)
- 0.5 cup Black olives (sliced)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
In a food processor or blender, combine fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse paste.
With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Blend until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, and sliced black olives.
Pour the prepared pesto over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper, if needed.
Transfer the pesto pasta salad to a serving dish and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, or toasted pine nuts for presentation, if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to chill before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
501 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.5 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.0 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 42 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 629 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.8 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g | ||
| Protein | 18.6 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 408 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 244 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
