Description
Pasta Salad with Pesto is a vibrant and flavorful dish that transforms your lunch box into a culinary delight. Bursting with fresh basil, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, this salad is not only visually stunning but also easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weekdays or picnics, it can be made ahead of time and customized to suit your taste. Enjoy a refreshing meal that promises to brighten your day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a blender, combine fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to make pesto (or use store-bought).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the pesto sauce until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
- Top with torn basil leaves and mix once more.
- Divide into lunch containers and refrigerate for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg