Time: 20 minutes
This pesto pasta salad is refreshing and full of flavor, making it a perfect side dish or light meal for warm days. Tossed with fresh veggies and a creamy pesto dressing, it’s both nutritious and delicious! Serves two.
Perfect for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
- 200g pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Preparation:
- Cook the pasta: Start by boiling water in a pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and red onion. Toss everything together until well-coated. The pesto not only adds flavor but also gives the salad a vibrant green color!
- Season: Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a splash of olive oil for extra richness.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This salad can be enjoyed right away, but it tastes even better if you let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrient Breakdown (per serving):
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fat: 25g
Potential Allergies: Contains dairy (mozzarella and pesto).