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Pesto Pasta Salad

A quick and delicious family-friendly dish made with pasta, vibrant pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella, perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 8 ounces pasta (your choice) Opt for shapes that hold onto the sauce well, like penne or fusilli.
  • 1 cup pesto sauce Ensure it's halal-certified if needed.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Fresh and vibrant.
  • 1 cup mozzarella balls Creamy and mild.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds flavor depth.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.
  • for garnish Fresh basil Adds a pop of color and aroma.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, wash and halve the cherry tomatoes and prepare the mozzarella balls.
  3. Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander, and rinse under cold water for a few seconds to stop the cooking process.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Finish with fresh basil for garnish. Serve immediately or chill for around 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cool the pasta properly to prevent clumping. Chilling the salad enhances the flavor; let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes if you can. Refrigerated leftovers can be stored for up to three days in an airtight container.