Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Pesto pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that bursts with fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a quick weeknight meal. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how delicious it tastes! If you enjoy pasta salads, consider trying our creamy pasta salad for a different twist.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only quick to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or protein sources based on your preference. Plus, the combination of fresh basil and creamy mozzarella makes it a crowd-pleaser. For another amazing option, check out our Big Mac pasta salad.
Ingredients
You may also find Pesto Pasta Salad Cozy Comfort useful.
- 1 pound pasta (such as cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 3 cups basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender, checking the package for recommended cook time. Drain and rinse well under cold water.
Make the pesto: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the basil pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy. Scoop out of the food processor and set aside.
Assemble the pasta salad: In a large bowl, combine the noodles, pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and parsley. Toss until it’s well combined, and taste to adjust the seasoning, if needed.
Serving
Serve your pesto pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a fantastic side dish. For more unique pasta salad ideas, consider our club sandwich pasta salad recipe.
Storage
You can store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just remember to give it a good toss before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor, let the pasta salad sit for about 30 minutes before serving.
- You can personalize this dish by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients! Other great additions include olives, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts. You can also swap out the pasta shape for a fun twist.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto is a great time-saver. Just ensure it’s a quality brand for the best flavor.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, you can omit the cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Conclusion
Pesto pasta salad is a delightful dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table. For more inspiration on this classic dish, you might want to check out this pesto pasta salad from RecipeTin Eats or explore another variant with the pesto pasta salad recipe by Cookie and Kate. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 pound pasta (such as cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
Pesto Ingredients
- 3 cups basil leaves Fresh
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender, checking the package for recommended cook time. Drain and rinse well under cold water.
Making the Pesto
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the basil pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy. Scoop out of the food processor and set aside.
Assembling the Pasta Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the noodles, pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and parsley. Toss until it's well combined, and taste to adjust the seasoning, if needed.
