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Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad: Quick, Creamy Bliss for Summer Gatherings

Delight in this vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad, perfect for summer gatherings, ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound cavatelli or penne pasta your choice of pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved; can use grape tomatoes
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cut into small bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped; soak in water if desired
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini chopped; omit for milder flavor
  • 1/4 cup parsley finely chopped
For the Pesto
  • 3 cups fresh basil leaves use fresh for best flavor
  • 1/2 cup olive oil consider avocado oil for twist
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts can substitute with walnuts
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a vegan option, use nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice opt for fresh juice
  • 2 cloves garlic roasted garlic can give a sweeter profile
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt adjust according to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper fresh cracked is ideal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • food processor
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pesto Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water.
  2. Prepare the pesto by combining 3 cups basil, 1/3 cup pine nuts, 1/3 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, pesto, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 8 oz mozzarella, 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini, and 1/4 cup parsley. Toss gently.
  4. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend beautifully.

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