Pesto Pasta Salad
Servings
8
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
15
minutesPasta Salad is a perfect side dish for parties, picnics or tailgates. This recipe tastes just like summer with sweet cherry tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, fresh mozzarella and pesto sauce. Plus.. it’s so easy to make!
Ingredients
1 lb. pasta (we used De Cecco Orecchiette)
2 cups of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 cups of kirby cucumbers, cut in half
1 cup of kalamata olives, pitted (we used Pearls Organic)
8 ounces of mini mozzarella balls
6-8 ounces of prepared pesto sauce (we used Filippo Beno)
1/2 cup of salted shelled pumpkin seeds
1 cup of fresh basil or arugula
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Drain pasta. Add tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Toss with pesto. Top with Mozzarella cheese, pumpkin seeds, and fresh basil.
- Serve warm or cold.
Tips and nutritional value
- 1. Tomatoes contain high amounts of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to lowering the risk of cancer and heart disease. There are ongoing studies that suggest tomatoes also reduce inflammation. (source: Joy Bauer & Healthline)
- 2. Fun fact… cucumbers are actually a fruit. They are high in water and low in calories, which makes them ideal for weight loss. They also contain small amounts of vitamin K, which helps keep our bones healthy, and vitamin A, which helps with vision and our immune system. (source: Joy Bauer & Healthline)
