Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful, quick, and easy dish that combines vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing lunch option, this cold pasta salad can be ready in just 30 minutes! The homemade basil pesto elevates the dish with its fresh taste while offering the flexibility to customize with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a light weeknight meal, this salad is not only nutritious but also visually appealing. Serve it alongside grilled chicken for added protein or enjoy it solo as a satisfying vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 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 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the pesto dressing and cherry tomatoes. Toss until well combined.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Find it online: https://simplytastes.com/pesto-pasta-salad/