Cold pasta salad with basil pesto and cherry tomatoes is popular in various regions around the world, especially in countries with a Mediterranean influence.
Benefits of Cold Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes:
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
This salad is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, including pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil, providing a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.
Antioxidant Boost
Cherry tomatoes and basil are rich in antioxidants, helping to combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The basil pesto dressing contains heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and improve cholesterol levels.
Fresh and Flavorful
The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil pesto, and tangy Kalamata olives creates a delicious and satisfying dish bursting with fresh flavors.
Versatile and Customizable
This salad can be easily customized to suit personal preferences and dietary needs, offering flexibility in ingredient choices and quantities.
Convenient and Make-Ahead
Perfect for meal prep, this salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
Refreshing and Light
Unlike heavier pasta dishes, this salad is light and refreshing, making it ideal for warm weather or when craving a lighter meal option.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup Basil leaves chopped, fresh
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the cherry tomatoes and basil pesto until well coated.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Enjoy!
Just made this and my kids loved it! I added some grilled chicken for protein!
Wow, this is like a party in my mouth! 10/10 recommend!
Yum! This is my new go-to pasta salad! Can’t believe how easy it was to make. 🥳
I’m so glad you liked it! It’s such a refreshing dish, perfect for summer ☀️.
Not my favorite. The pesto was way too garlicky for my taste. Next time I’ll use less garlic. 🤢
I actually love garlic, but I guess everyone has different taste buds! 😄 Maybe try adding some lemon juice next time for a refreshing twist.
I dunno, I thought it would be better. The flavors were kinda bland for me.
I followed the recipe but my pesto turned out kinda chunky. What did I do wrong? 😕
It was ok but kinda plain. Needs more flavor or something.
Yum! Just made this for a picnic and everyone loved it! Will make again!
So glad to hear that! This salad is perfect for picnics! 🌞
I used walnuts instead of pine nuts since that’s what I had. Still tasted great! 👍
This pasta salad is sooo good! The pesto is super fresh and the cherry tomatoes add a nice touch. Definitely a keeper!
So simple but sooo good! I might have added too much cheese, whoops! 😂
Why do you need pine nuts? They are too expensive. Can we use walnuts instead?
Not bad, but I forgot the salt and it was ehhh. Remember that folks!
I totally feel you! Salt makes such a difference. Gotta be careful with those little things.
Easy and delicious! Perfect for a summer picnic. Will make again!
This is too much basil! I thought it would be milder. Maybe leave it out next time.
I actually love the basil! It gives it such a fresh taste. Maybe try a different recipe next time if you want it milder.
Pasta is too mushy, I guess I cooked it too long or something.
This pasta salad is so fresh and tasty! Loved the basil pesto combo!
Pasta salad? I thought it was a soup recipe. What an idiot I am!
No worries! We all make mistakes. This salad sounds delicious tho!
Not too sure about the pine nuts. They are so expensive. Can I use almonds instead?
I made this for a picnic and it was a big hit! So fresh and tasty! Definitely a keeper!