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Pesto Pasta Salad

Delicious Pesto Pasta Salad: A Summer Flavor Sensation

A vibrant and refreshing Pesto Pasta Salad that embodies the essence of summer with juicy flavors and creamy textures.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dishes
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz pasta (fusilli or macaroni)
  • 1 tsp salt for cooking pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz bocconcini or diced mozzarella
  • 2 cups rocket/arugula
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup olive oil or grapeseed oil
For the Creamy Touch
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or extra olive oil

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Food Processor
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the pesto by blending basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the pesto and gently mix in mayonnaise.
  4. Fold in the cherry tomatoes and bocconcini carefully.
  5. Add the rocket/arugula and mix gently until all ingredients are combined.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This pasta salad can be customized with seasonal veggies or protein like grilled chicken or feta cheese.

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