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Pesto Pasta Salad

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A colorful and refreshing pesto pasta salad packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, perfect for summer barbecues and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (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

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped and blended.
  3. Drain and rinse the pasta under cool water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Assemble your salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the prepared pesto and fold in the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, pepperoncini, and parsley.
  5. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
  6. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after chilling. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, pesto, summer recipe, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://sweetladle.com/meal-prep-pesto-pasta-salad-easy-dinners/