Pesto Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes 🌿🍅

This vibrant and flavorful pasta salad is the ultimate dish for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a delightful side for any meal. The fresh basil pesto adds a fragrant kick, while the sundried tomatoes bring a hint of sweetness and tanginess. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also highly customizable to suit your taste!

Consider serving it chilled on a warm day, paired with some crusty bread or grilled chicken for a complete meal! 🍗🥖

Ingredients

For the pasta salad

• 2 cups of rotini or gemelli pasta
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup of fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
• 1/4 cup of black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup of pine nuts, toasted
• 2 cups of fresh spinach or arugula
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the pesto

• 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of pine nuts (or walnuts for a twist)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

🍝 Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking together.

2. Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Adjust seasoning to taste.

🌱 Feel free to experiment with different nuts or cheeses in the pesto for a unique flavor profile!

3. Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and spinach. Drizzle the pesto over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

🥗 For an extra creamy texture, consider mixing in a few tablespoons of ricotta or cream cheese!

4. Chill and serve: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Before serving, give it one final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.

🍋 If you prefer a lighter salad, add a splash of additional lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra zing!

Variations

• Gluten-free: Swap out the pasta for quinoa, chickpea pasta, or spiralized zucchini for a gluten-free alternative. 🥒
• Vegan: To make this salad vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. You can also substitute the mozzarella with avocado cubes! 🥑
• Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a more filling meal. 🍤
• Herbed twist: Incorporate other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint into the pesto for a refreshing twist!

This Pesto Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes is sure to impress your friends and family with its deliciously fresh flavors and beautiful presentation! Enjoy! 🎉