Pesto Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Pesto Pasta Salad
Description
Pesto Pasta Salad features cooked corkscrew pasta tossed with refrigerated basil pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and kalamata olives. Red onion and parsley bring brightness and mild sharpness, while toasted pine nuts add nuttiness and crunch. The pasta is cooled under cold water after cooking to keep the salad fresh and prevent clumping. Tossed well, the pesto coats all ingredients, binding the salad with its herbaceous, oily texture. The combination balances creamy, tangy, and savory notes, ideal for light meals or gatherings.
The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature and stands up well as a make-ahead dish for picnics or lunches. Additional pine nuts and parsley garnish add freshness and textural contrast.
Using refrigerated pesto ensures a bolder, fresher flavor compared to jarred shelf-stable options. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness and texture.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces corkscrew pasta or any short pasta type
- 1 cup basil pesto refrigerated
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomato halved
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella halved, balls
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup pine nuts plus more for garnish, toasted
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 1/4 cup parsley plus more for garnish, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions.
- Drain the pasta and run cold water over the pasta to cool it down.
- Place the pasta in a large bowl along with the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, pine nuts, red onion and parsley.
- Pour the pesto over the top and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve, topped with additional pine nuts and parsley for garnish.
Notes
- Using pesto from the refrigerated section enhances the herb flavor compared to jarred versions.
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep it fresh.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 423 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 423kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 586mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 241mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1060IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 8.5mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 178mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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