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Fresh Cold Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe with Mozzarella Pearls and Cherry Tomatoes

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A refreshing and texturally satisfying cold pasta salad featuring pesto-coated fusilli, creamy mozzarella pearls, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect for summer meals, picnics, and light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto
  • 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of fusilli and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
  3. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir gently to coat.
  4. While the pasta cooks, halve 1 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes and finely mince 1 small garlic clove.
  5. Stir in 1/2 cup of fresh basil pesto and the minced garlic into the pasta. Mix thoroughly. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Gently fold in 8 ounces of mozzarella pearls and the halved cherry tomatoes, being careful not to break the cheese pearls.
  7. Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the salad and give it a final gentle toss.
  8. Tear a handful of fresh basil leaves and sprinkle on top for garnish. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to maintain al dente texture. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Use good-quality fresh pesto for best flavor. Fold mozzarella pearls gently to avoid breaking. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto pasta salad, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, cold pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://morselora.com/fresh-cold-pesto-pasta-salad-recipe-with-mozzarella-pearls-and-cherry-tomatoes-easy-step-by-step-guide/