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Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Mozzarella

Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Mozzarella Bliss

This Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Mozzarella is a refreshing dish packed with vibrant flavors and perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Dry Rotini Pasta or any short pasta like farfalle or cavatappi
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese for topping
For the Pesto
  • 1 cup Kale Leaves or spinach
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil high-quality
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese for pesto
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts or walnuts
  • 2 cloves Garlic adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • food processor
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dry rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine kale leaves, fresh basil, olive oil, shredded Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooled rotini pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and red onion. Toss gently.
  4. Toss with Pesto: Add the pesto to the pasta mixture, tossing until evenly coated with the vibrant sauce.
  5. Serve with Garnish: Transfer to a serving dish and top with shredded Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad is a crowd-pleaser and can be made a day in advance for best flavor.

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