Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Mozzarella, a perfect dish for any occasion! This colorful, easy-to-prepare salad combines al dente rotini pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a zesty homemade pesto sauce. Ideal for summer picnics, quick lunches, or as a delightful side dish at barbecues, this versatile salad is not only delicious but also healthy, packed with fresh ingredients that offer nutritional benefits. With just a few simple steps, you can create a refreshing meal that keeps well in the fridge for leftovers—a fantastic option for meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. dry rotini pasta
- 2 cups sliced cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella pearls
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp fresh basil, sliced
- Homemade pesto (made from kale, basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice)
Instructions
- Make the pesto by blending kale, basil leaves, olive oil, parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and fresh basil.
- Toss everything together with the desired amount of pesto until fully coated.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg