Summertime is the perfect time for a refreshing and flavorful pasta salad. This pesto pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion whether you enjoy it on its own or as a side dish.
The combination of fresh pesto, juicy tomatoes, and tender pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds, making this pasta salad recipe with pesto a must-try for pasta lovers.
This pasta salad recipe with pesto is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding or removing ingredients. For example, if you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the pesto. If you want a sweeter flavor, you can add some honey or maple syrup. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients and Equipment
To make this pasta salad recipe with pesto, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (any type)
- 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
You will also need the following equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
How To Make Pasta Salad with Pesto
To make this pasta salad with pesto, follow these simple steps:
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, black olives, red onion, and fresh basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Tips or Possible Variation
Here are a few tips and possible variations for this pasta salad recipe with pesto:
- For a creamier pasta salad, add some mayonnaise or sour cream to the pesto sauce.
- For a more flavorful pasta salad, use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes.
- For a vegetarian pasta salad, omit the mozzarella balls and use tofu or tempeh instead.
This pasta salad recipe with pesto is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as a side dish, this pasta salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
So what are you waiting for? Give this pasta salad recipe with pesto a try today!