5 from 56 votes
Pesto Pasta Salad
This Pesto Pasta Salad combines corkscrew pasta with fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, kalamata olives, pine nuts, red onion, and parsley. The mixture creates a vibrant, savory salad with a blend of fresh, creamy, and tangy flavors. The toasted pine nuts add a crunchy texture contrast, while the chilled pasta ensures a refreshing dish suitable for warm days or as a make-ahead side.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
423 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
Italian
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 423
% 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.