Pesto Pasta Salad: A Cozy Summer Favorite
Ah, summer! The golden sun, soft breezes, and a table adorned with vibrant colors all around. There’s something incredibly rewarding about gathering fresh ingredients under the summer sky and crafting a meal that’s not just delicious but also bursting with love. One of my favorite go-to recipes that captures this essence is my Pesto Pasta Salad. It’s a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply enjoying on a warm afternoon. The combination of tender pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and herby basil pesto is downright comforting. Plus, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that gives you that warm, cozy feeling every time you dig in. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- No baking required—perfect for warm weather days!
- A crowd-pleaser: Everyone, from kids to adults, loves this flavorful dish.
- Versatile star of your table: Great for picnics, BBQs, or family gatherings.
- Fresh, wholesome ingredients kept in mind to ensure a delicious and nutritious meal.
What You’ll Need
To make this delightful Pesto Pasta Salad, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (such as cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 3 cups basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Pesto Pasta Salad
Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps to create your own Pesto Pasta Salad, filled with warmth and goodness:
Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender, ensuring to check the package for the recommended cook time. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it well under cold water to cool it down.
Make the pesto. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the basil pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Process until smooth and creamy, then scoop it out and set aside.
Assemble the pasta salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, creamy pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pieces, chopped pepperoncini, and parsley. Toss gently until everything is well combined. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Variations & Creative Twists
Let your culinary creativity shine with these delightful twists on my classic Pesto Pasta Salad:
- Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken or grilled shrimp for a hearty meal, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a filling lunch.
- Go green: Mix in some fresh arugula or spinach for an extra boost of nutrition and a delightful peppery flavor.
- Change up the cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a tangy richness that complements the dish beautifully.
- Spice it up: For a zesty kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Pesto Pasta Salad turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Make it ahead: This salad gets even tastier as the flavors meld together, so feel free to make it a day in advance.
- Ingredient swaps: If basil isn’t available, try using arugula or spinach for a fresh twist. You could even use sun-dried tomatoes in place of fresh ones for a different flavor profile.
- Storing leftovers: Keep your pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s usually best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but it’ll still be delicious for up to a week.
Nutrition Information per Serving
For those keeping an eye on nutrition, here is the breakdown per serving (approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: 460
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions I receive about my Pesto Pasta Salad:
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Can I use different ingredients? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with whatever fresh vegetables or herbs you have on hand.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- How long does it last? Enjoy your salad within 2-3 days for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
My Pesto Pasta Salad is more than just a dish; it’s an invitation to gather, share, and savor the warm simplicity of summer flavors. It holds my memories of laughter-filled afternoons with loved ones and lazy days spent in the sun. Whether you’re bringing it to a barbecue, enjoying it for a cozy dinner at home, or sharing it with friends at a picnic, this recipe is bound to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too.
Save this Pesto Pasta Salad to your Pinterest board so it’s ready for when you need that cozy treat! Happy cooking, my friends!
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Pesto Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta salad made with fresh ingredients, perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 3 cups basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Process until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and parsley. Toss gently to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
For additional flavor, make this salad a day in advance, as it tastes even better the next day. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like grilled chicken or arugula.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Pasta Salad, Pesto, Summer Recipe, Vegetarian, Quick Meal