Description
A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad featuring pesto, fresh mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing. Ideal for lunches, picnics, or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces of your favorite short pasta (such as rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini), drained and halved if large
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
- Optional: 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- 2. While the pasta cooks, whisk together the pesto, mayonnaise, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 3. Add the halved tomatoes and mozzarella balls to the bowl with the pasta. Add optional pine nuts or red pepper flakes if using.
- 4. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- 5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 6. Just before serving, stir in the torn fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Best served cold or at room temperature; avoid reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Calculate based on specific ingredients and portion size
- Sugar: Calculate based on specific ingredients and portion size
- Sodium: Calculate based on specific ingredients and portion size
- Fat: Calculate based on specific ingredients and portion size
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