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Pesto Pasta Salad

Fresh and Zesty Pesto Pasta Salad for Summer Fun

Enjoy this Quick and Refreshing Pesto Pasta Salad perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 287

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Pasta or gluten-free pasta
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella diced
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini
  • 1/4 cup Parsley chopped
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Basil Leaves
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice or lime juice
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper freshly cracked

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Food Processor
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Cooking and Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a food processor, blend basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. In a bowl, combine pasta, pesto, tomatoes, mozzarella, onion, pepperoncini, and parsley. Mix gently until evenly coated.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow salad to chill for enhanced flavor. Substitute ingredients as needed based on personal preference.

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