Description
Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Mozzarella is a fresh and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta tossed with vibrant pesto, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, perfect for summer meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and pesto to the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and mix again.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving if desired.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought pesto depending on preference.
- For extra color, use a mix of yellow and red cherry tomatoes.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg