Description
A refreshing and flavorful Pesto Pasta Salad featuring tender pasta tossed with a creamy homemade basil pesto, fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and zesty pepperoncini. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish for gatherings, this salad balances bright herbs, tangy cheese, and a hint of heat for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 1 pound pasta (such as cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
Basil Pesto
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Make the pesto: While the pasta cooks, prepare the basil pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic cloves, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Process all ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Transfer the pesto to a bowl.
- Assemble the pasta salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, freshly made pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pieces, chopped pepperoncini, finely chopped red onion, and parsley. Toss everything together until well coated with pesto and evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds if preferred or to reduce cost.
- This salad can be served cold or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
