Description
A refreshing and creamy pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a homemade pesto dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, Greek yogurt, pesto sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
- If using, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top and give it a final toss.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg