Easy and Delicious Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Pasta salads are a staple in many households, especially during the warmer months. They are light, refreshing, and versatile. This Pesto Pasta Salad combines fresh ingredients that are bursting with flavor. You can enjoy it as a side dish or make it a main course.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should try making this Pesto Pasta Salad. First, it is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills. Even if you are a beginner, you can confidently prepare this dish. The best part is that it uses fresh ingredients like basil, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella, making it both delicious and healthy.
This recipe is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a casual meal at home. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors will delight your taste buds. Plus, this salad is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in your refrigerator. It saves time and effort during busy days when you need a quick and nutritious meal.
Another reason to try this recipe is the opportunity to customize it. You can easily add or replace ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Want to make it vegetarian? Go for it! Prefer a different type of cheese? That works too! This Pesto Pasta Salad is an excellent way to use what is in your kitchen while enjoying a refreshing dish.
How to Make Pesto Pasta Salad
Making a Pesto Pasta Salad is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Below, you will find the detailed steps to create a delightful dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (such as cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 3 cups basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite. Be sure to taste it a minute or two before the cooking time is up to ensure it is to your liking. When done, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Make the Pesto: While the pasta cooks, you can prepare the basil pesto. Grab a food processor and add fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend all the ingredients until they become smooth and creamy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to fully incorporate everything. Once done, scoop the pesto out of the food processor and set it aside.
Assemble the Pasta Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pieces, chopped pepperoncini, and parsley. Use a spatula or spoon to gently toss everything until well mixed. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or pepper.
How to Serve Pesto Pasta Salad
When it comes to serving Pesto Pasta Salad, the options are plentiful. You can serve it cold or at room temperature, making it an excellent dish for warm weather. Place the salad in a large serving bowl and garnish it with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a lovely presentation.
Pesto Pasta Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables, making it a versatile side dish. You can also serve it as a light lunch on its own or add more protein for a filling meal. Consider adding grilled shrimp or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
This salad is perfect for sharing at barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings. Consider packing individual servings in containers for a picnic.
How to Store Pesto Pasta Salad
If you happen to have leftovers, storing Pesto Pasta Salad is easy. Allow the salad to cool completely if it’s still warm. Then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep the salad in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
Note that the taste may develop further as the ingredients marinate together. However, if you have added fresh mozzarella, you might want to eat it within a couple of days for the best flavor and texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta salad. However, the texture may change after thawing, especially for ingredients like tomatoes and mozzarella. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container, and consume it within a month for optimal quality. When you are ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips to Make Pesto Pasta Salad
Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of your ingredients makes a significant difference in taste. Try to use fresh basil, high-quality olive oil, and ripe tomatoes to enhance the salad’s flavor.
Customize Your Pasta: You can use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta for a healthier version. Consider rotating different shapes to see which one you like best.
Make Your Pesto Ahead of Time: If you want to save time, you can prepare the pesto in advance. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to drizzle some additional olive oil on top to prevent browning.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even olives to make the salad more filling and flavorful.
Serve with Extra Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten the flavors and give it an extra zing.
Variations
Pesto Pasta Salad is highly versatile, and there are many ways to make it your own. Here are some variations you can try:
Add Proteins: Mix in grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas to turn this salad into a more substantial meal.
Different Cheeses: Swap the mozzarella for feta cheese or goat cheese for a new taste experience. Both will bring their unique flavors to the salad.
Change the Herbs: While basil is traditional, you can mix in other herbs like arugula, spinach, or dill if you want a change.
Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought pesto for convenience. However, homemade pesto usually tastes fresher and allows you to control the ingredients.
Can I add meat to the salad?
Absolutely! Adding grilled chicken, bacon, or shrimp can make this salad more hearty and satisfying.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make this recipe vegan, you can omit the cheese or use vegan substitutes. For pesto, you can substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan, while also using vegan mozzarella.
How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Rinsing the cooked pasta in cold water not only cools it but also helps remove excess starch that can cause sticking. Toss the pasta with a little olive oil before adding it to the salad to keep the noodles separated.
How do I ensure my basil pesto stays green?
To keep your pesto vibrant green, add a bit of lemon juice and store it in an airtight container. The acidity in the lemon helps slow down oxidation, maintaining that fresh green color.
In conclusion, this Pesto Pasta Salad is a great dish to add to your cooking repertoire. It is simple, healthy, and delicious. Enjoy making and serving this delightful salad at your next gathering or for a quick weekday meal!
Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until tender but firm to the bite. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pieces, chopped pepperoncini, and parsley. Gently toss to mix and season to taste.