Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the flavors of summer. This easy-to-make salad combines al dente pasta with fresh basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, creating a delightful medley that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch. Its customizable nature means you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. Not only is it quick to prepare—taking just 25 minutes—but it also becomes even more delicious when made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld in the fridge. Whether served as a main dish or alongside grilled meats at summer barbecues, this Pesto Pasta Salad is sure to please everyone at your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces)
- 7 ounces basil pesto
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, red onion, mozzarella balls, olives, and rinsed chickpeas.
- In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, and red wine vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Find it online: https://allfoodierecipes.com/pesto-pasta-salad-recipe/