Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make cold pasta dish featuring vibrant pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for a summer meal or picnic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta (fusilli or penne recommended)
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra crunch.
- This dish can be made a day in advance for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 12
Keywords: cold pasta recipe, pasta salad, pesto pasta, cherry tomato pasta, summer pasta dish, easy pasta recipe