Description
Bring festive cheer to your table with this easy Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad, full of vibrant colors and delicious flavors, perfect for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces of fusilli or penne pasta
Fresh Basil Pesto
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup button mushrooms, chopped
Cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your desired pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and chop the button mushrooms. Set them aside to blend beautifully with the pasta later.
- Make the Pesto (if homemade): In a food processor, combine fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped and stream in olive oil while blending to create a smooth and creamy pesto.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, vegetables, and pesto. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto.
- Season and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve right away or chill in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Don’t Forget to Salt the Water: Salting your pasta water is crucial for enhancing flavor at the very start.
- Cool Pasta Before Mixing: Allow the pasta to cool slightly before mixing to avoid wilting the fresh vegetables.
- Use Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh herbs in your pesto instead of dried.
- Chill for Flavor: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for a while after mixing allows the flavors to deepen.
- Batch Prep: This salad can be made ahead of time and is perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg