Description
This Pesto Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish made with al dente pasta, homemade basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and toasted pine nuts. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or make-ahead meals, this easy pasta salad is full of bright flavors and comforting textures that bring everyone together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 g (1 lb) fusilli or penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (plus extra for topping)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool completely.
- In a food processor, blend the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic until finely chopped.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil while blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add grated Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend again and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and pour the pesto over it. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella balls, red onion, and toasted pine nuts. Mix carefully to combine.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
Notes
For best flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can add grilled chicken for extra protein or substitute pine nuts with walnuts for a budget-friendly option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad dries out, drizzle a little olive oil and toss before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg