Pesto Pasta Salad
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This recipe is quick, easy, and customizable to your liking.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne)
- 1/2 cup Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes Halved or quartered
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves Chopped
- 1/4 Red Onion Finely chopped
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- To taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, basil, and red onion.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill for later. If chilling, it's best to add the mozzarella just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Notes
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. You can also substitute different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or feta.