Whether you’re looking for a refreshing lunch or a dish to bring to a potluck, this pesto pasta salad is delicious and easy to make. Made with basil pesto tossed in perfectly cooked pasta noodles, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes!
8ozfresh mozzarellacut into small bite-sized pieces
½cupfinely chopped red onion
¼cupchopped pepperoncini
¼cupfinely chopped parsley
Basil Pesto
3cupsbasil leaves
½cupolive oil
⅓cuppine nuts
⅓cupgrated parmesan cheese
1tablespoonlemon juice
2clovesgarlic
1teaspoonsea salt
¼teaspoonblack pepper
Instructions
Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender. Be sure to check the package for recommended cook time. Drain and rinse well under cold water.
Make the pesto. While the pasta cooks, prepare the basil pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy. Scoop out of the food processor and set aside.
Assemble the pasta salad. In a large bowl, combine noodles, pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and parsley. Toss until it's well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.
Notes
Chill before serving. Pasta salad gets better as it rests. For the best flavor, mix and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This is why this salad tastes even better the next day.