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Pesto Pasta Salad

Fresh and Flavorful Pesto Pasta Salad You'll Love

Enjoy this refreshing Pesto Pasta Salad, a vegetarian delight perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Cavatelli or penne pasta Choose for best texture
For the Salad
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
  • 8 ounces Fresh mozzarella Cubed
  • 1/4 cup Red onion Sliced
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Sliced
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Chopped
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Basil leaves Fresh
  • 1/2 cup Olive oil Extra virgin preferred
  • 1/4 cup Pine nuts Can substitute with walnuts
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Can use nutritional yeast for vegan
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Sea salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Adjust to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Food Processor
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
    Pesto Pasta Salad
  2. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
    Pesto Pasta Salad
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and parsley until well combined.
    Pesto Pasta Salad
  4. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
    Pesto Pasta Salad

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 8mg

Notes

This salad is customizable based on available ingredients. Perfect for summer meals.

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