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Pesto Pasta Salad

Flavorful Pesto Pasta Salad That Will Brighten Your Day

This Pesto Pasta Salad combines vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it an ideal salad for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces cavatelli or penne pasta Use for a hearty base.
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes Halved.
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1/4 cup red onion Finely chopped.
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini Chopped.
  • 1/4 cup parsley Finely chopped.
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups basil leaves Fresh.
  • 1/2 cup olive oil Extra virgin.
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts Can substitute with walnuts.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use fresh.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed.
  • 2 cloves garlic Fresh.
  • to taste sea salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste black pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

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

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil salted water in a large pot, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper; process until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and parsley; toss well.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Chill Pesto Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Adjust seasoning prior to serving.

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