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Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Irresistible Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe You'll Love to Make

This Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe combines vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a delightful and quick vegetarian dish perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Bow-tie Pasta Feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you love.
  • 3 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Use more for added moisture if needed.
  • 6 oz Basil Pesto Opt for homemade or a store-bought jar for simplicity.
  • 3 tbsp Italian Dressing Choose a mild variety for balance.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Substitute with arugula for a nice peppery twist.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Slice them for best texture or use halved grape tomatoes.
  • 8 oz Bocconcini Cubed fresh mozzarella can be used as an alternative.
  • to taste Salt Essential seasoning to enhance flavor.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential seasoning to enhance flavor.
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup Grilled Chicken or Shrimp For those seeking extra protein.
  • 1 cup Olives or Bell Peppers Add for Mediterranean flair.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Serving bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add bow-tie pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Transfer the cooled bow-tie pasta to a large serving bowl. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and gently toss until well-coated. Allow the pasta to cool completely at room temperature, about 15–20 minutes.
  3. Mix in the basil pesto and Italian dressing. Use a spatula or large spoon to carefully fold the sauces through the pasta, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
  4. Gently stir in the baby spinach, sliced cherry tomatoes, and bocconcini, being careful not to break the mozzarella balls.
  5. Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the salad, adjusting to taste.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to combine any ingredients that may have settled. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

You can prepare the salad a day in advance for deeper flavors, just remember to refrigerate it and give it a light toss before serving.

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