Berry Pesto Pasta Salad

User Reviews

4.5

235 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    310 kcal

  • Course

    Salad

  • Cuisine

    American

Berry Pesto Pasta Salad

Berry Pesto Pasta Salad blends cooked shell bow pasta with fresh arugula, strawberries, blackberries, mini mozzarella balls, and basil tossed in a pesto-based dressing sweetened with honey and brightened by champagne vinegar. The salad offers a mix of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with contrasting textures from tender pasta, crisp greens, juicy berries, and soft cheese. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a finishing sweet acidity.

Description

Berry Pesto Pasta Salad combines shell bow pasta cooked and cooled before being mixed with peppery baby arugula, sweet diced strawberries, blackberries, fresh basil, and mini mozzarella balls. The dressing is made by whisking together basil pesto, champagne vinegar, and a touch of honey to add sweetness and acidity that balance the savory cheese and sweet fruit. This mixture coats the salad components thoroughly, tying the flavors together.

The interplay of fresh berries and the peppery bite of arugula offers a vibrant contrast, while the mild mozzarella adds creamy texture to the dish. A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top enhances sweetness and adds depth of flavor before serving.

Best enjoyed the day it is made to preserve the freshness of the berries and crispness of the arugula, this salad works well as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light, refreshing meal on its own.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 12 ounces shellbow pasta brand Delallo
  • 3 cups arugula baby
  • 1 cup strawberry diced
  • 1 cup blackberry
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella mini, fresh, balls
  • 1 tablespoon basil chopped, fresh
  • 
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • [

3 - 4 tablespoons Delallo Simply Pesto Traditional Basil

]
  • 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • balsamic glaze optional, but recommended, to drizzle on top of salad

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool the pasta to room temperature or rinse under cold water if you are in a hurry. Add to a large serving bowl.
  2. Add the arugula, basil, strawberries, blackberries and mini mozzarella balls to the pasta. 
  3. In a small bowl whisk together the pesto, vinegar, and honey then pour it onto the pasta salad. Stir everything together until it’s coated in the pesto dressing.
  4. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed. If the salad looks dry, add an extra tablespoon of pesto. Just before serving top the pasta salad with balsamic glaze.

Notes

  • Best served the day it’s prepared to maintain berry texture and arugula freshness.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1g Calories 310kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 52g (17%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g (24%) Cholesterol 4mg (1%) Sodium 177mg (7%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 6g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 310 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1g
Calories 310kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 52g 17%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 177mg 7%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 6g 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.5

235 reviews
Excellent

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