Cold Pasta Salad Pesto

A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad featuring tender pasta, creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil pesto—perfect for picnics or light lunches.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (e.g., fusilli, penne, or farfalle), Salt, for boiling water
• Vegetables & Cheese: 250 g (9 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved, 200 g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained and halved, 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• Pesto Dressing: 60 g (1/4 cup) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Garnish: Fresh basil leaves, torn, 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and red onion (if using).

Step 3:

In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 4:

Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5:

Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and pine nuts, if desired.

Step 6:

Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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Common Questions

→ What pasta types work best for this salad?

Short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing well and complement the fresh ingredients effectively.

→ Can I prepare the salad in advance?

Yes, chilling the salad for up to 2 hours enhances flavor melding but avoid preparing too far ahead to maintain freshness.

→ How can I make the salad vegan-friendly?

Replace mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives and use a dairy-free basil pesto to keep the salad plant-based.

→ Are toasted pine nuts essential for this dish?

They add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor but can be omitted if preferred or for allergy concerns.

→ What are good serving suggestions for this dish?

Serve chilled as a light lunch or picnic dish, paired nicely with chilled white wine such as Pinot Grigio.

→ Can I customize the salad with additional ingredients?

Yes, adding black olives or sun-dried tomatoes enhances flavor and adds variety while keeping balance.

Keeps paper towels accessible for wiping spills, drying hands, and cleaning surfaces while cooking.

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