Description
This Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad brings festive colors and vibrant flavors together in one bowl. With fresh basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella pearls, this easy-to-make pasta salad is both refreshing and comforting, perfect for holidays or everyday meals.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces rotini or fusilli
- Basil pesto: 3/4 cup
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 1/2 cups halved
- Mozzarella pearls: 1 cup
- Red bell pepper: 1 diced
- Pine nuts: 1/4 cup toasted
- Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup grated
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- Drain and toss the pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pesto, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and red bell pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Top with toasted pine nuts and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
- Use fresh pesto for a brighter taste.
- Add grilled chicken for a protein boost if desired.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: holiday pasta salad, pesto pasta salad, festive salad, Italian salad, easy pasta salad