Description
This delightful Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or gatherings. Tossed with rich basil pesto, fresh vegetables, and cheese, this pasta salad is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Whether enjoyed as a standalone lunch, at potlucks, or alongside grilled proteins like chicken or turkey, this versatile salad is sure to impress. Customize it with your favorite veggies to create your own perfect blend. Serve it chilled for the best experience!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (such as cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 3 cups 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, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini, and red onion. Toss well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Chill for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg