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pesto pasta salad

(1 rating)
smalltownwoman avatar
Recipe by
Beth Pierce
@smalltownwoman
Ofallon, MO

A flavor packed Pesto Pasta Salad with tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, mozzarella and toasted pine nuts. This delectable salad is the perfect summer salad for grilled chicken, fish, or steak. I love to make this with my homemade pesto sauce but for speed and ease store bought will work as well. We are always up for a good pasta salad especially during the hot summer months when a nice cool pasta salad is always appreciated. This pasta salad. Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad, Tuna Pasta Salad, and Taco Pasta Salad are just a few of our favorites.

(1 rating)
yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For pesto pasta salad

  • 12 oz
    fusilli pasta
  • 1 1/2 c
    grape or cherry tomatoes sliced in half
  • 1 1/2 c
    sliced english cucumber
  • 8 oz
    fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1/3 c
    chopped red onion
  • 1 c
    fresh pesto sauce (or store bought)
  • 1/4 c
    pine nuts

How To Make pesto pasta salad

  • 1
    Cook the pasta according to package instructions (slightly al dente) and drain well.
  • 2
    In a large bowl combine the pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella balls, red onion, and pesto sauce. Stir gently to combine.
  • 3
    Add the pine nuts to a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown stirring very frequently. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on the top of the pasta salad.
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