Description
A simple and delicious pasta salad featuring vibrant pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (such as rotini, penne, or fusilli)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup prepared pesto
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional additions: fresh mozzarella balls, red onion, olives, grilled chicken
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water.
- Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and pesto to the warm pasta.
- Toss gently to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add any optional ingredients and toss again.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can make your own pesto or use store-bought.
- This salad is great for making ahead and is perfect for picnics or potlucks.
- Adjust the amount of pesto to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe