Go Back
+ servings
Pesto Pasta Salad

Delicious Pesto Pasta Salad: A Vibrant Summer Must-Try

This Pesto Pasta Salad combines vibrant greens with sun-kissed reds, creating a delightful dish perfect for summer meals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Mini Farfalle Pasta Can substitute with fusilli or rotini
  • 4 cups Baby Arugula Optional if a milder taste is preferred
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Can swap with cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella Pearls Use diced mozzarella or feta for a change
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Fresh is best
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves Replace with store-bought pesto or spinach if needed
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast makes for a dairy-free option
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Can substitute with any nuts or seeds based on preference
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced garlic can work if fresh isn’t on hand
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Preferred for its distinctive taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • food processor
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the mini farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside to cool.
  2. Spread the drained pasta evenly on a greased baking sheet. Allow it to cool for about 15-20 minutes.
  3. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic with a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped, then drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while processing until nearly smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, baby arugula, halved grape tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella pearls. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and prepared pesto, then gently toss the mixture.
  5. Taste your salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Transfer the Pesto Pasta Salad to a serving bowl and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For the best taste, use fresh basil and lemon juice. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!