Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Mozzarella

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pesto pasta salad offers a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads, with the addition of a rich and tangy kale pesto sauce. The creamy mozzarella pearls and sweet cherry tomatoes provide the perfect balance of texture and flavor, while the fresh basil and parmesan cheese give the salad a delightful finishing touch. It’s easy to make, full of healthy ingredients, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a BBQ, picnic, or just craving something delicious and light.

Ingredients

For the pasta salad:

• 1 lb. dry rotini pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella pearls
• ¼ of a red onion, sliced thin
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil, sliced (plus more for serving)
• Shredded parmesan cheese, for serving

For the kale pesto:

• 1 cup kale leaves, chopped*
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted* (see notes section for toasting instructions)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2½ Tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. While the pasta is cooling, prepare the kale pesto. In a food processor, combine the kale leaves, basil leaves, olive oil, shredded parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.
3. Once the pasta has cooled, add it to a large mixing bowl along with the sliced cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and fresh basil.
4. Pour the kale pesto over the pasta and toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
5. Serve the salad with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese and extra basil for garnish.
6. Chill the pasta salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: This dish is already vegetarian-friendly! You can also add some roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Nuts alternative: If you’re allergic to pine nuts, you can use walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a different texture and flavor.
• Add protein: If you’d like to make this a more filling dish, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This pesto pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: It’s best served cold, so you don’t need to reheat it. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, just give it a good toss before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular pesto instead of kale pesto?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use traditional basil pesto instead of kale pesto. However, the kale pesto adds a unique flavor and extra nutrients to the salad.

How can I make this pesto pasta salad spicier?

If you like some heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or toss in some spicy pepperoncini or jalapeños.

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

You can use any type of cheese you prefer. Goat cheese, ricotta, or even feta would make great alternatives to mozzarella and parmesan.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will have time to meld, making it even more delicious.

Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, just swap out the rotini pasta for gluten-free pasta.

Can I freeze the pesto?

While it’s not recommended to freeze the entire pasta salad, you can freeze the kale pesto separately. Just store it in an airtight container or ice cube trays for easy portioning.

How do I toast pine nuts?

To toast pine nuts, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! While rotini works great in this recipe, you can also use penne, farfalle, or fusilli for a different shape.

Is this salad good for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Can I use a different type of nut for the pesto?

Yes, you can swap pine nuts for walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each will bring a slightly different flavor but will still work well in the pesto.

Conclusion

Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Mozzarella is a vibrant, fresh dish that brings together the best flavors of summer. The homemade kale pesto adds a unique twist, and the mozzarella and cherry tomatoes make each bite bursting with freshness. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this salad is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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