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Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

Basil Pesto Pasta Salad: Your Easy, Fresh Summer Favorite

Basil Pesto Pasta Salad is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for summer entertaining, featuring homemade pesto, pasta, and fresh veggies.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Pesto Ingredients
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves essential for vibrant flavor
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts can substitute with walnuts
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese substitute with nutritional yeast for vegan option
  • 2 cloves minced garlic fresh garlic preferred
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil lighter oils can substitute
Pasta Salad Ingredients
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta can experiment with farfalle or penne
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes can use any fresh tomatoes
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls feta for a tangy twist

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Prepare the Pesto
  1. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Pulse until finely chopped, then drizzle in the olive oil while the motor runs until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the rotini pasta. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool running water to stop cooking, then let cool.
Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini with the prepared basil pesto, tossing until the pasta is coated. Add cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
Toss and Serve
  1. Mix the salad gently to evenly distribute the ingredients. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Chill the salad for enhanced flavors. Use room temperature ingredients for better pesto adherence. Always use fresh basil for best results.

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