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Pesto Pasta Salad with Mozzarella

Colorful pesto pasta salad with mozzarella and tomatoes on rustic wooden table
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This is a lush, creamy pasta salad perfect for feeding a crowd. It uses affordable ingredients like walnuts and block mozzarella for a budget-friendly gourmet result. It’s an ideal make-ahead dish for potlucks, barbecues, or easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound short pasta, like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and let drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, make the pesto. In a food processor, combine basil, walnuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. Add the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Pulse again to combine.
  4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is smooth and emulsified.
  5. Finish by pulsing in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cubed mozzarella, halved tomatoes, and chickpeas (if using).
  7. Pour the fresh pesto over everything. Gently fold with a spatula until all ingredients are coated.
  8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

For best results, cook pasta al dente and let the salad rest before serving. Use fresh grated Parmesan, not pre-grated. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/pesto-pasta-salad-mozzarella/