Description
This Pesto Pasta Salad with Peas, Pine Nuts & Mozzarella Pearls is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of basil pesto, toasted pine nuts, and creamy mozzarella pearls creates a delicious harmony of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces short pasta (such as fusilli or farfalle)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Prepare the Salad: Drain pasta and peas and rinse under cold water. In a large bowl, combine pasta, peas, pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice; toss until coated. Gently stir in pine nuts, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle Parmesan and fresh basil over the top. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
- Perfect for picnics and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
