Description
A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad with mozzarella, olives, grape tomatoes, and a creamy pesto dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cavatappi or rotini pasta
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup mozzarella balls (small)
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- For the Dressing:
- ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain well, then rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, mayonnaise, and red wine vinegar until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, grape tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and kalamata olives.
- Toss and Season: Add the prepared dressing to the pasta mixture and toss well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, chop the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Incorporate Fresh Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves for added greens and a bit of texture.
- Add Capers: For an added salty bite, try tossing in a tablespoon or two of capers.
- Lemon Juice: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, citrusy zing.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg