Pesto Pasta Salad
A vibrant and fresh Pesto Pasta Salad made with al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, slathered in luscious pesto.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot and adding a generous pinch of salt. Toss in your 8 oz of pasta—fusilli or penne! Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool down a bit.
- Combine the Fresh Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil leaves. This colorful medley is not only eye-catching but also incredibly nutritious!
- Add the Pesto Sauce: Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add in your half a cup of pesto sauce and mix everything well to ensure that each piece of pasta is coated in that aromatic herby goodness.
- Garnish with Parmesan: Sprinkle on the grated Parmesan cheese to add a savory depth. Season it generously with salt and pepper to taste for that final touch of flavor.
- Serve & Savor: Enjoy your Pesto Pasta Salad right away or, if you prefer, refrigerate it for later. The flavors meld beautifully as it chills, making it a great make-ahead dish!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best flavor, consider using homemade pesto and fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Find it online: https://www.nailzspa.com/pesto-pasta-salad/