Description
Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that makes for a perfect light lunch or a refreshing side at gatherings. This easy-to-make salad features tender pasta, aromatic basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and an array of colorful vegetables. With its customizable ingredients, it suits various tastes and is ideal for picnics, cookouts, and casual dinners. Packed with nutrients from fresh veggies and protein-rich chickpeas or beans, this recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Prepare it ahead of time for meal prep convenience and let the flavors meld together for an even more delightful taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound cooked pasta (al dente)
- 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 1 can (15 ounces) rinsed chickpeas or white beans
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 7 ounces basil pesto
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, red onion, mozzarella balls, olives, and chickpeas or beans. Toss gently.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, olive oil, and red apple vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg