Print

Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A vibrant, festive pasta salad tossed with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and crunchy pine nuts—perfect for holiday gatherings or quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 1 pound rotini or farfalle, cooked al dente to hold pesto beautifully.
  • Basil Pesto: 1 cup, homemade or store-bought for bold, aromatic flavor.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups halved, adding juicy bursts of sweetness.
  • Mozzarella Pearls: 2 cups, creamy and mild for balance.
  • Red Bell Pepper: 1 large, diced for festive crunch and brightness.
  • Kalamata Olives: ½ cup sliced, providing a salty Mediterranean punch.
  • Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated, nutty and sharp for depth.
  • Pine Nuts: ¼ cup toasted, bringing nutty crunch.
  • Fresh Basil: ¼ cup chopped for extra freshness.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste, to balance flavors.

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Add pesto and toss gently until all pasta is coated.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Mix in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, bell pepper, and olives.
  6. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with parmesan, pine nuts, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Chill for 30 minutes or serve immediately, garnished with extra basil.

Notes

  • Note: Chill before serving for best flavor melding.
  • Note: Add delicate ingredients, like mozzarella and basil, just before serving.
  • Note: Use pasta shapes that grip pesto, like rotini or farfalle.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyze.com/holiday-pesto-pasta-salad/