Berry Pesto Pasta Salad
Berry Pesto Pasta Salad is a refreshing summer dish that combines the sweetness of fresh berries with the herbaceous flavor of basil pesto, creating a delightful balance of taste and texture. Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or as a meal prep option, this colorful salad not only looks stunning but also offers a delicious burst of flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required after boiling pasta
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together basil pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, strawberries, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor melding.
- Serve: Toss again before serving and garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Customize by adding grilled chicken or swapping nuts for seeds. Use ripe berries for enhanced sweetness; frozen berries can be used if thawed properly.