Looking for the best recipe for lunch that can also double as a delightful dinner food recipe? This Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a fantastic choice! It’s not only vibrant and delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients that will keep you feeling great.
This salad is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for meal prep. The combination of fresh basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes creates a mouthwatering dish that’s light yet fulfilling, making it a healthy food recipe that everyone will love.
Vibrant Ingredients for a Fresh Salad
This Pesto Pasta Salad shines with its colorful ingredients that are both visually appealing and bursting with flavor. The star of this dish is the fusilli pasta, which provides a delightful twist and holds onto the pesto beautifully.
Halved cherry tomatoes add a juicy sweetness, perfectly contrasting the earthiness of the basil pesto. Fresh basil leaves not only enhance the dish’s aroma but also serve as a beautiful garnish on top.
Herbaceous Pesto Sauce
At the heart of this recipe is the bright green basil pesto. This sauce can be made from scratch or purchased, eliminating any fuss while still delivering a tasty punch. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts creates an aromatic blend that elevates the entire salad.
The nutty flavor from the pine nuts, especially when toasted, complements the vibrant greens, making every bite a delightful experience. This balance of taste and texture makes this salad a fantastic pick for a light dinner food recipe or a satisfying lunch.
Time-Saving Meal Prep
This salad is not only quick to prepare but also ideal for meal prep. In just around 20 minutes, you can whip up a dish that serves 4-6 people, perfect for family gatherings or picnics.
With its easy assembly, it’s a practical choice for those busy weeks. Simply cook the pasta, mix in the ingredients, and you’re ready to go! Plus, it can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
For a visually stunning presentation, serve this salad in a rustic bowl, garnished with extra pine nuts, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves. This adds a touch of elegance and makes it suitable for any occasion.
Consider pairing this dish with a refreshing beverage, like lemonade or iced tea, making it perfect for a sunny picnic setup. Its vibrant colors and delightful combination of textures make it a true centerpiece on any table.
Nutritional Benefits
This Pesto Pasta Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy food recipe. It packs a nutritious punch with wholesome ingredients that provide a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
With around 320 calories per serving, this dish is light yet filling, allowing you to enjoy a guilt-free meal. The use of fresh ingredients promotes overall health, making it a fantastic option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Final Touches
Experiment with the salad by adding other ingredients like roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for added flavor and protein. This flexibility allows you to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
Whether for a casual lunch or a more elegant dinner, this Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is sure to impress your guests. Its freshness and vibrant flavors will leave everyone wanting more!
Delicious Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
This Pesto Pasta Salad is a fresh, aromatic dish featuring al dente pasta, luscious cherry tomatoes, and a homemade pesto sauce. The taste is a delightful balance of herbaceous, nutty, and tangy flavors, making it an ideal meal for both warm summer days and cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (fusilli or rotini work well)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, and olive oil. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Season: Add grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
