Tender pasta combined with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto for a vibrant, flavorful dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 10 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
02 - Salt, for boiling water
→ Vegetables & Cheese
03 - 9 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained and halved
05 - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
→ Pesto Dressing
06 - 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
07 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
10 - Fresh basil leaves, torn
11 - 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
02 - In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella halves, and sliced red onion if using.
03 - Whisk together basil pesto, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper until fully emulsified.
04 - Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to evenly coat all components.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with torn basil leaves and toasted pine nuts if desired. Serve immediately or chill up to 2 hours before serving for a cooler salad.
