Easy Pesto Pasta Salad

User Reviews

4.9

22 reviews
Excellent

Easy Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad loaded with asparagus, peas, tomatoes, mozzarella and Parmesan. This pasta salad recipe is perfect for any occasion, especially summer gatherings, picnics and potlucks. Make your own pesto or use store bought pesto for an effortless meal!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 12 ounces pasta (any short pasta shape)
  • 1/2 pound asparagus thin spears, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces with tough ends trimmed off, fresh
  • 1 cup peas frozen
  • 1 cup cherry tomato halved
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella drained, pearls
  • 1 cup basil pesto homemade or refrigerated
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded plus more for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Italian dressing (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions. A few minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus and finish cooking until the pasta is "al dente". Before draining the pasta, add the frozen peas into the pot. This will defrost the peas and make them soft.
  2. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water to cool it down.
  3. Place the pasta and vegetables in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Pour the pesto and Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Serve, topped with additional pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • You can use fresh mozzarella pearls, ciliegine (mozarella balls the size of a cherry), or just cut fresh mozzarella into bite size pieces.
  • Nutrition information provided is just and estimate and will vary depending on the brand of ingredients used.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 409kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 40g (13%) Protein 15g (30%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 21mg (7%) Sodium 495mg (21%) Potassium 278mg (6%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 1235IU (25%) Vitamin C 13.1mg (15%) Calcium 215mg (22%) Iron 2.1mg (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 409 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 409kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 40g 13%
Protein 15g 30%
Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 21mg 7%
Sodium 495mg 21%
Potassium 278mg 6%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 1235IU 25%
Vitamin C 13.1mg 15%
Calcium 215mg 22%
Iron 2.1mg 12%

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

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Overall Rating

4.9

22 reviews
Excellent

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