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Pesto Pasta Salad

This vibrant and flavorful Pesto Pasta Salad combines fresh ingredients, making it a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or a quick nutritious meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 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
Basil Pesto
  • 3 cups basil leaves Fresh
  • 1/2 cup olive oil High-quality for best taste
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. 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.
Preparing the Pesto
  1. 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.
Assembling the Salad
  1. 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.

Notes

This salad is perfect for picnics and can be made ahead of time. It keeps well in the refrigerator and can be customized with different vegetables or proteins.