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To make a tasty pesto pasta salad, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what to gather: - 12 oz fusilli pasta - 1 cup fresh basil pesto - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved These ingredients create a colorful and delicious base for your salad. Fusilli pasta holds the pesto well, and the cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst. The mozzarella brings creaminess that makes each bite enjoyable. You can make your salad even better with a few extras. Here are some optional ingredients to consider: - 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced - 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adding black olives gives a nice briny touch. Pine nuts add a crunchy texture, while Parmesan adds a rich flavor. Feel free to mix and match based on your tastes. Seasoning makes a difference in flavor. Here’s what you will need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish A drizzle of olive oil enhances the taste. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, fresh basil leaves not only look nice but also give a burst of freshness. For the full recipe, check the details above. To cook fusilli pasta properly, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down. Make sure to rinse well so the pasta doesn’t stick together. Set the cooled pasta aside in a large bowl. Now comes the fun part! In the bowl with the cooled fusilli, add the fresh basil pesto. Make sure the pasta is well-coated. This is key for flavor. Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, sliced black olives, and toasted pine nuts. Each ingredient adds its own taste and texture. Don't forget to gently mix everything to combine well. Drizzle some olive oil over the salad and toss it again. This helps add richness and flavor. Now, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust it based on your preference. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Give it one last gentle toss. Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious pesto pasta salad! To cook pasta well, follow these steps: - Use a large pot of boiling water. - Add salt to the water for taste. - Stir the pasta for even cooking. - Check the pasta a minute before time ends. - Drain and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking. Cooling the pasta is key. It helps the salad taste fresh. Mix the cooled pasta with pesto in a large bowl. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly. For a gluten-free option, try brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Both work well in salads. If you need dairy-free options, use vegan cheese instead of mozzarella. For the pesto, look for dairy-free versions or make your own with nuts and olive oil. Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. This way, it tastes best. You can also serve it in small cups for parties. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a nice touch. For a fun twist, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. {{image_2}} You can make your pesto pasta salad even better by adding more veggies. Consider using bell peppers, artichokes, or spinach. These add color and crunch. Each bite becomes more exciting. You can also try different cheeses for a unique taste. Feta cheese gives a tangy kick. Goat cheese adds creaminess. Experiment to find your favorite combo! Want to make your salad heartier? Add grilled chicken or shrimp. These proteins boost flavor and make your meal more filling. Simply toss them in after cooking. If you prefer vegetarian options, try chickpeas or black beans. They are rich in protein and add a nice texture. You can even use tofu for a plant-based twist! Seasonal ingredients can elevate your dish. In spring, try fresh peas or arugula. In summer, use zucchini or corn. Fall calls for roasted squash, while winter might inspire you to add Brussels sprouts. You can also customize based on what’s fresh at your local market. This ensures your salad is always tasty and vibrant. Use what you love, and your salad will shine! To keep your pesto pasta salad fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly to prevent air from getting in. Store the salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the salad may lose its freshness and flavor. You can freeze pesto pasta salad for later use. Use freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Keep in mind, freezing may change the texture of the salad. The pasta might become softer, and the pesto could lose some vibrancy. If you need to reheat your pesto pasta salad, do it gently. Place the salad in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between. This helps to keep the flavors intact. Avoid high heat, as it can dry out the pasta and wilt the fresh ingredients. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto for this recipe. It saves time and still tastes great. Homemade pesto has a fresher taste and lets you control the ingredients. You can adjust garlic, cheese, and nuts to your liking. If you choose store-bought, look for one with simple ingredients. This way, you keep it healthy and tasty. You can keep the pasta salad in the fridge for three to five days. Make sure you store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors from other foods. If you notice any changes in smell or look, throw it out. Always trust your senses! Pesto pasta salad goes well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or fish for protein. It pairs nicely with a refreshing green salad. You might also like crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. These options round out the meal and add variety. Yes, pesto pasta salad is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in portions. It keeps well, and the flavors get better over time. Just be sure to store it in airtight containers. This way, you grab a quick and tasty meal whenever you need one. Pesto pasta salad is simple yet delicious. You start with fusilli pasta, fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Add black olives and pine nuts for extra flavor. Cool and toss everything with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Remember, you can customize with seasonal veggies or proteins. Store it well, and enjoy for days. Whether for lunch or a gathering, this dish shines. Embrace easy meal prep and share with friends! Enjoy making your own tasty twists on this classic dish.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Pesto Pasta Salad Delight with this simple and tasty recipe! Made with fusilli pasta, fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives, this salad is perfect for lunch or a refreshing side dish. It's easy to make and comes together in just 30 minutes. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to explore this mouth-watering recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fusilli pasta

1 cup fresh basil pesto

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mozzarella balls, halved

1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli pasta and the basil pesto, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated.

      Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, sliced black olives, and toasted pine nuts to the bowl with the pasta.

        Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and gently toss everything to combine.

          Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preference.

            Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and give it one last gentle toss.

              Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

                Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4