Tomato pesto pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, a main course, or even a light snack. This easy-to-make salad has a combination of fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a delicious pesto-based dressing that makes it irresistible. It is also vegetarian-friendly and can be easily customized to suit any palate. With just a few simple ingredients, this delicious salad can be ready in no time. So, let’s get started.
Ingredients
To make this delicious tomato pesto pasta salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb of pasta (we recommend rotini or farfalle)
- 2-3 cups of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
To make this delicious tomato pesto pasta salad, start by boiling the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta in cold water. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato pesto pasta salad can be served as a side dish, a main course, or even a light snack. It pairs nicely with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It also tastes great as a topping for salads, or as a filling for sandwiches. This dish is also great for potlucks or barbecues, since it can be served cold or at room temperature.
Variations
This tomato pesto pasta salad can easily be customized to suit any palate. For a Mexican twist, add some diced jalapenos, black beans, and corn. For an Italian twist, add some olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. For a Mediterranean twist, add some cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pasta is best for tomato pesto pasta salad?
We recommend using rotini or farfalle pasta for this dish. These types of pasta have a great texture and hold up well to the ingredients in the salad.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We do not recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the pasta may change.
Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this dish is already vegetarian-friendly as written. If you would like to make it vegan-friendly, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese for a vegan alternative.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this dish can easily be made gluten-free. Simply substitute the pasta for a gluten-free variety and omit the pine nuts.
Can I add other ingredients to this dish?
Yes, this dish can easily be customized to suit any palate. You can add any vegetables, herbs, spices, or cheeses that you would like.
