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Quick 15-Minute Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad featuring basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) homemade or store-bought basil pesto
  • 1/3 cup (about 50 g) sun-dried tomatoes, preferably oil-packed
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) pine nuts, toasted
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 oz (115 g) fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces (optional)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) fusilli and cook according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. This should take about 12-15 minutes total.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup (30 g) pine nuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. If making homemade pesto, blend 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil, 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup (30 g) toasted pine nuts, 1 clove garlic, and salt to taste until smooth. If using store-bought, thin with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil for easier mixing.
  4. In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta with 1/2 cup (120 ml) pesto, 1/3 cup (50 g) chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup (150 g) halved cherry tomatoes, and torn fresh mozzarella (if using). Toss gently but thoroughly.
  5. Stir in 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, and season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Tear fresh basil leaves over the top and serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

Do not skip rinsing the pasta after boiling to stop cooking and help pesto cling better. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Mix pasta and pesto while pasta is still slightly warm for better flavor absorption. Add pine nuts and fresh basil just before serving if making ahead to keep texture crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes, quick pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta recipe, basil pesto, pine nuts, fresh mozzarella

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/quick-15-minute-pesto-pasta-salad-recipe-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/