Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad is fresh, colorful and full of herb flavor. Tender pasta is tossed with basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and mozzarella for an easy side dish that pairs well with grilled chicken, sandwiches or picnic meals.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or bow tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
- Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl.
- Add the tomatoes, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Whisk together the pesto and olive oil until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil, if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Toss again just before serving.
Kid Chef Tip
Mix the pesto with a little olive oil before adding it to the pasta. It coats the noodles more evenly and makes tossing the salad easier.
Try These Variations
- Add cooked diced chicken for a complete meal.
- Stir in baby spinach or arugula.
- Add sliced black olives or roasted red peppers.
- Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese.
- Add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Recipe, image, and content from
Kids-Cooking-Activities.com