Description
Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a light lunch or bringing a dish to a potluck. This refreshing salad combines perfectly cooked pasta with homemade basil pesto and an array of colorful vegetables, creating a delightful medley of flavors. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this easy recipe that’s not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Packed with fresh ingredients and versatile enough to be served as a main or side dish, this salad is sure to impress both family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a food processor, blend basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth to create the pesto.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, and toss well.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg