Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad
Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich, homemade pesto sauce. This delightful salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a picnic in the park or hosting a backyard barbecue. With fresh basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, each bite offers a refreshing taste of Italy. Easy to prepare and customizable to your taste preferences, this pasta salad promises to become a favorite for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a blender, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth; add more olive oil if needed for consistency.
- In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes and any additional veggies you prefer.
- Stir in the prepared pesto and sour cream until evenly coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.
- Serve cold or at room temperature; garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Customize your salad by adding grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for added protein and flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; add extra pesto before serving if needed.