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Pesto Pasta Salad

Easy Pesto Pasta Salad for Quick, Flavorful Meals

Enjoy a vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad that's quick, flavorful, and adaptable to any dietary need.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Pasta (cavatelli or penne) Consider whole grain or gluten-free options.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
  • 0.5 cup Red Onion Finely chopped.
  • 0.25 cup Pepperoncini Chopped.
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley Finely chopped.
For the Cheese
  • 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cut into bite-sized pieces.
For the Pesto
  • 3 cups Basil Leaves Can substitute with spinach.
  • 0.5 cup Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil.
  • 0.33 cup Pine Nuts Can substitute with walnuts or sunflower seeds.
  • 0.33 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with nutritional yeast.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Can substitute with apple cider vinegar.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Can use roasted garlic.
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt Adjust as needed.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked recommended.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • food processor
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Process until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and parsley. Toss gently until evenly coated.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor before serving. Serve immediately if short on time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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