Go Back
+ servings
Pesto Pasta Salad

Delicious Pesto Pasta Salad Loaded with Fresh Veggies

A vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad featuring chewy pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy bocconcini, all dressed in homemade basil pesto. Perfect for summer gatherings!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 350 g spiral pasta perfect for holding the pesto and veggies
  • 1 tbsp salt essential for seasoning pasta
  • 250 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • 220 g baby bocconcini drained and halved
  • 1 cup rocket/arugula tightly packed
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups basil leaves tightly packed
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts toasted
  • 7 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Stick blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring 3 liters of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 350g of spiral pasta and cook for the time indicated on the package plus 1 minute. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large jug, combine 2 cups of basil leaves, 2 tbsp of toasted pine nuts, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Add 1 tbsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and blitz until smooth with a stick blender.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, freshly made pesto, and 2 tbsp of mayonnaise. Toss together gently until every piece of pasta is coated.
  4. Fold in 250g of halved cherry tomatoes, 220g of halved bocconcini, and 1 cup of rocket/arugula. Gently toss to preserve freshness.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with small basil leaves. Enjoy your colorful salad at picnics or as a quick meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients and cook pasta slightly above al dente.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!