pasta and pesto salad

Summer is the perfect time for light, fresh meals that don’t weigh you down. This pasta and pesto salad is a great way to enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish. With its combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheese, this dish is sure to become a summer staple.

Ingredients

This dish is incredibly simple to make and requires only a few ingredients. To make the salad, you will need:

• 1 pound of pasta of your choice
• 1 cup of pesto
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 cup of fresh mozzarella, cubed
• 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pesto, tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. When the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the bowl with the pesto mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Serve the pasta and pesto salad at room temperature or chilled.

Tips and Tricks

This pasta and pesto salad is incredibly versatile, so feel free to switch up the ingredients and make it your own. For example, you could add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or use a different type of cheese such as feta or ricotta salata. You could also add roasted red peppers, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta and pesto salad is great as a side dish or as a main course. Serve it with a side of crusty bread and a salad for a complete meal. It’s also a great dish to bring to a potluck or BBQ.

FAQs

What kind of pasta should I use?

Any kind of pasta will work in this dish – from long strands like spaghetti or linguine to short shapes like penne or rotini. Use whatever kind you prefer!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto if you don’t have time to make your own.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make this dish vegan by omitting the cheese and adding extra vegetables like roasted red peppers or artichokes.

Can I freeze this dish?

No, this dish should not be frozen as the pasta will become mushy.