Pesto Pasta Salad
This vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it the perfect dish for summer picnics, light lunches, or gatherings with friends. Packed with nutritious vegetables like cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, and combined with protein-rich chickpeas, this salad is as satisfying as it is delicious. Tossed in a homemade basil pesto dressing that adds a burst of flavor, this customizable recipe allows you to adapt it to your taste preferences. Serve it chilled for an invigorating meal that will impress your guests and leave them craving more!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (cooked)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces, rinsed and drained)
- 7 ounces basil pesto
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, onion, mozzarella, olives, and chickpeas. Toss gently until mixed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, olive oil, and red apple vinegar until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, adding optional toppings like grated parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://happycookingtime.com/pesto-pasta-salad-recipe/