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A visually appealing basil pesto pasta salad. The dish features al dente pasta coated in vibrant green basil pesto sauce, made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The pasta salad is garnished with halved cherry tomatoes, rocket and mozzarella providing pops of red and white against the green backdrop of the pasta. The mixture is served in a salad bowl, with a sprinkle of whole basil leaves on top. The various textures and colours create an inviting and appetising culinary scene

Pesto pasta salad with homemade basil pesto

Whether you're cooking for yourself or a group, this pesto pasta salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide a delicious vegetarian side dish!
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Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Salad, Dinner, Lunch
Keyword: salad, easy recipe, salad recipe, side dish, vegetarian
Servings: 5
Author: kizactivelife

Ingredients

  • 350g pasta of choice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 220g cherry bocconcini halved
  • 1 handful of rocket
  • basil leaves chopped
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Basil pesto

  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cups basil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • salt/pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 180°c (fan forced) and line a baking tray. Add your pine nuts and roast for 5 minutes then allow to cool slightly.
  • Cook pasta as per directions.
  • In a blender or food processor add the basil, pine nuts, minced garlic, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, olive oil and blend until smooth. 
  • In a large salad bowl add the rocket, cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cherry bocconcini, basil pesto, sliced basil and parmesan cheese. 
  • Mix, serve and enjoy! 

Notes

If you're short on time you can always use a store bought pesto!