Pesto pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is made with a combination of pesto, pasta, and fresh vegetables, and can be customized to your own taste. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe for pesto pasta salad is easy to follow and will surely impress your friends and family.
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. It has a bright green color and a flavorful, nutty taste. Pesto can be used as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or vegetables, and it also makes a great addition to salad dressings.
For this recipe, you will need cooked pasta, your favorite pesto, cherry tomatoes, red onion, zucchini, and mozzarella balls. You can also add other vegetables to your salad, such as bell peppers, artichokes, or olives.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Mixing spoon
How to Make Pesto Pasta Salad
To make pesto pasta salad, simply combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
You can serve pesto pasta salad immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for later. Pesto pasta salad is a great make-ahead dish, and it is also perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Tips or Possible Variation
Here are a few tips and possible variations for this recipe for pesto pasta salad:
Use any type of pasta that you like. Short pastas, such as penne or rotini, work well in this salad. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you need to.
If you do not have any pesto on hand, you can make your own. There are many different recipes for pesto available online. You can also find pre-made pesto in the refrigerator section of most grocery stores.
Add other vegetables to your salad, such as bell peppers, artichokes, or olives. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp to make a more substantial salad.
Pesto pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. It is a great way to use up leftover pesto, and it is also a perfect dish for summer gatherings.
So next time you are looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make salad, give this recipe for pesto pasta salad a try. You won’t be disappointed!