Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the delightful flavors of basil pesto with an array of fresh vegetables and protein. Perfect for summer picnics, light lunches, or as a flavorful side at gatherings, this salad is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. With its colorful ingredients and zesty dressing, it brings joy to every meal and is sure to please guests of all ages.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cooked to al dente)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 1 can chickpeas or white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 7 ounces basil pesto
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, red onion, mozzarella balls, olives, and chickpeas or white beans. Toss gently.
- In a small bowl, whisk together basil pesto, olive oil, and red apple vinegar until fully combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss carefully to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Find it online: https://juliaflavors.com/pesto-pasta-salad-recipe/