Zesty Pesto Pasta Salad 🍝🌿

This vibrant and delightful Pesto Pasta Salad is a perfect way to enjoy fresh flavors all year round! Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a light weeknight dinner, it features a medley of colorful veggies tossed with a luscious pesto dressing. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it's also easily customizable with your favorite ingredients!

Ingredients

For the salad

• 12 ounces of pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle work great!)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella balls (or cubed mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

For the pesto dressing

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

Instructions

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

🌊 Rinsing the pasta will stop the cooking process and prevent the noodles from sticking together.

• Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

🔄 Feel free to adjust the lemon juice or garlic according to your preference for brightness or flavor!

• Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, red onion, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the pesto dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

🥗 For an extra touch, reserve some pesto to drizzle on top before serving, and add a few whole basil leaves for decoration!

• Chill and serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

❄️ This salad can be made a day in advance, making it a perfect meal prep option!

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal! 🥩🍤
• Dairy-free: Swap out the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or omit it altogether for a lighter version. 🌱
• Grilled veggies: Roast bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a smoky flavor in your salad. 🌶️🍆
• Spicy kick: Incorporate some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat! 🌶️

Enjoy this refreshing Pesto Pasta Salad with friends and family, and don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients! 🌟🍴