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For a great pesto pasta salad, start with the right ingredients. First, you need pasta. My favorite type is farfalle. It holds the pesto well and adds a fun look. You can also use fusilli or penne. Both work nicely, too.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Elevate your meals with these flavorful pesto pasta salad recipes that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Discover the essential ingredients for the perfect dish, learn how to make fresh pesto from scratch, and explore exciting variations with different proteins and vegetables. Get ready to make a crowd-pleasing salad that shines at any gathering. Click through to explore the full recipes and delicious tips for a delightful pasta experience!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) farfalle pasta

1 cup fresh basil leaves

½ cup pine nuts (toasted)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium cucumber, diced

½ cup mozzarella balls, halved

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, mozzarella balls, and the prepared pesto.

        Toss Together: Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are well-coated with pesto. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

          Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

              - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl or individual salad jars. Garnish with extra pine nuts and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an added touch.