Description
A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad featuring vibrant basil pesto.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Basil
- Pine nuts
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, make the pesto by combining basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
- Drain cooked pasta and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella balls.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- Roasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto enhances their flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and cheese in the pesto to your preference.
- You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- This salad is best served at room temperature or chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg