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Pesto Pasta Salad

Bright and Fresh Pesto Pasta Salad for Summer Gatherings

A delightful Pesto Pasta Salad featuring fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and quick preparation, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 287
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound Cavatelli or Penne Pasta Any shape works fine
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved; try using grape tomatoes for a twist
  • 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cut into bite-sized pieces; consider feta for a zesty kick
  • ½ cup Red Onion Finely chopped; substitute with green onions for a milder taste
  • ¼ cup Pepperoncini Chopped; omit for a milder salad
  • ¼ cup Parsley Finely chopped; can substitute with basil or cilantro
For the Pesto
  • 3 cups Basil Leaves The star ingredient for flavor
  • ½ cup Olive Oil Or avocado oil as a substitute
  • ⅓ cup Pine Nuts Adds nutty creaminess; walnuts or sunflower seeds can be used
  • ⅓ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Try nutritional yeast for a vegan version
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Brightens flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic Can substitute with garlic powder if fresh isn’t available
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Adds warmth to the dish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Food Processor
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until tender, drain, and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the pesto by blending basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and parsley, then toss gently.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary with salt or lemon juice, then mix well.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, refrigerate the salad before serving to allow flavors to meld. Consider adding extra lemon juice or salt to taste. Use high-quality ingredients for optimal flavor and consider substituting vegetables or cheeses to your liking.

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