Pesto pasta salad with cherry tomatoes

Savor the flavors of summer with this delicious Pesto Pasta Salad! Fresh basil and parsley combined with garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan create a vibrant pesto. Toss with gluten-free pasta, creamy Greek yogurt, pine nuts, and juicy cherry tomatoes for a healthy and satisfying dish. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light dinner!

  • 16 Feb 2025
  • Cook time 15 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 8 Servings
  • 12 Ingredients

Pesto pasta salad with cherry tomatoes

Pesto pasta salad with pine nuts and cherry tomatoes is a fresh and vibrant dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a side at your next gathering. Combining the earthy flavors of basil and parsley with the richness of pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and the tangy sweetness of cherry tomatoes, this recipe will leave your taste buds delighted. Moreover, it's gluten-free, making it accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients:

12 cups basil leaves
70g
1 cup fresh parsley
60g
3 garlic cloves
9g
1 tbsp lemon juice
16g
1 tsp salt
3g
1 tsp black pepper
2.10g
1 cup pine nuts
140g
8 tbsp olive oil
110g
10 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
50g
2 cups gluten-free pasta
210g
1 cup greek yogurt
240g
2 cups cherry tomatoes
300g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add 2 cups (210g) of gluten-free pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine 12 cups (70g) of basil leaves, 1 cup (60g) of fresh parsley, and 3 garlic cloves (9g).
- Add 1 tbsp (16g) of lemon juice, 1 tsp (3g) of salt, and 1 tsp (2.10g) of black pepper.
- Add 1 cup (140g) of toasted pine nuts and 10 tbsp (50g) of grated Parmesan cheese.
- With the food processor running, gradually drizzle in 8 tbsp (110g) of olive oil. Process until smooth.
3. Combine the Pesto with Greek Yogurt:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared pesto sauce with 1 cup (240g) of Greek yogurt. Mix well to create a creamy pesto sauce.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- Toss the cooked and cooled gluten-free pasta into the bowl with the creamy pesto sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in 2 cups (300g) of halved cherry tomatoes.
- Mix to combine all the ingredients.
5. Serve:
- Transfer the pesto pasta salad to a serving dish.
- If desired, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of toasted pine nuts.
6. Chill before Serving:
- For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips:

- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown to enhance their flavor.

- Use a food processor or blender to make the pesto for a smoother consistency.

- If you're making this salad ahead of time, keep the cherry tomatoes separate and add them just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

- For a creamier texture, mix a portion of the pesto with Greek yogurt before tossing it with the pasta.

- Add a bit more olive oil or a splash of the pasta cooking water if the pesto is too thick.

Pesto pasta salad with pine nuts and cherry tomatoes is a delicious and refreshing dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and packed with flavor, thanks to the fresh basil, parsley, and the perfect blend of other ingredients. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for your barbecue, or a contribution to a potluck, this salad is sure to be a hit.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size150 grams
Energy
Calories 230kcal12%
Protein
Protein 9g6%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 1.93g5%
Sugar 2.94g3%
Fat
Fat 30g34%
Saturated 4.47g15%
Cholesterol 9mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 90ug10%
Choline 20mg4%
Vitamin B1 0.11mg9%
Vitamin B2 0.19mg14%
Vitamin B3 1.28mg8%
Vitamin B6 0.12mg7%
Vitamin B9 33ug8%
Vitamin B12 0.31ug13%
Vitamin C 18mg20%
Vitamin E 1.95mg13%
Vitamin K 170ug144%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 120mg9%
Copper, Cu 0.31mg35%
Iron, Fe 1.92mg17%
Magnesium, Mg 63mg16%
Phosphorus, P 210mg17%
Potassium, K 330mg10%
Selenium, Se 6ug11%
Sodium, Na 270mg18%
Zinc, Zn 1.82mg17%
Water
Water 90g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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