Tomato and Mozzarella Pesto Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.6
Tomato and Mozzarella Pesto Pasta Salad
Description
The salad begins by cooking bowtie pasta to the desired doneness and draining it. While still warm, it's combined in a large bowl with freshly halved cherry or grape tomatoes, drained fresh mozzarella ciligine balls, and generous spoonfuls of prepared or homemade pesto sauce. Stirring while warm allows the pesto to coat the pasta evenly.
Finishing touches include grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper to boost savory depth. Optionally, fresh basil leaves can be added for fragrant herbal notes. If desired, waiting about ten minutes after cooking before adding mozzarella helps the cheese remain intact rather than melting into the warm pasta.
This pasta salad can be served immediately, showcasing a fresh and vibrant texture and flavor profile, or chilled to meld flavors further. It keeps well refrigerated for several days, making it convenient for meal prep or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta cooked according to package directions
- 1 pound tomatoes halved (use multi-colored tomatoes if you can find them, cherry or grape
- 8 ounce mozzarella cheese ciliegine, drained, fresh, balls
- 8 ounces pesto sauce or to taste, prepared or homemade
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or to taste, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste, freshly ground
- basil optional for garnishing, fresh leaves
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add to a large bowl. Note - If you don't want the mozzarella in step two to melt at all and want it to remain intact in balls, wait about 10 minutes for the pasta to cool a bit before proceeding.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, and stir to combine and coat evenly.
- Add the Parmesan, pepper, and stir to combine and coat evenly. Taste and if desired, add salt but I did not find it necessary.
- Optionally garnish with basil and serve immediately if desired or chill before serving.
Notes
- Let cooked pasta cool about 10 minutes before adding mozzarella to keep the cheese balls intact without melting.
- Salad stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 241 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 241kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 33mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 404mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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