Description
Mediterranean-inspired Pesto Pasta Salad delivers fresh summer flavors with zesty basil sauce, crisp vegetables, and tender pasta. Colorful ingredients blend perfectly, creating a light yet satisfying meal you can enjoy at picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) grape tomatoes, chopped
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) fresh Italian parsley
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) red onion, chopped
Cheese and Sauce:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) prepared pesto
- 8 ounces (227 grams) mini mozzarella pearls
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Seasonings:
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
- Transfer cooled pasta to a spacious mixing vessel, creating a foundation for the vibrant salad.
- Incorporate chopped grape tomatoes, creating bursts of juicy color throughout the mixture.
- Fold prepared pesto into the pasta, ensuring each strand is generously coated with herbal, garlicky essence.
- Gently mix in mini mozzarella pearls, adding creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
- Sprinkle finely diced red onion for sharp, crisp undertones that complement the smooth ingredients.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning for balanced flavor.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a delicate, salty layer of complexity.
- Scatter torn fresh basil leaves across the top, introducing a final aromatic touch.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop before serving.
- Store in sealed container in refrigerator for optimal freshness, consuming within 5 days for best quality.
Notes
- Perfectly cook pasta al dente by salting water generously and testing texture 1-2 minutes before recommended cooking time.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil pesto for richer, more authentic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Quickly chill pasta after cooking by rinsing with cold water to stop cooking process and prevent sticky texture.
- For gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with chickpea, quinoa, or brown rice pasta alternatives that maintain similar texture and nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg