Chilled Pasta Salad with Olives, Tomatoes, and Pesto
This chilled pasta salad is a perfect blend of vibrant flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch. The combination of tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic pesto creates a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of Mediterranean flair.
This pasta salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures. The pesto provides a fragrant, herbaceous base, while the olives add a salty punch. The tomatoes offer a burst of sweetness and juiciness, making each bite a balanced and refreshing experience. This salad can be served as a side dish or a main course, perfect for warm weather dining.
Tools to Use:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoons
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup pitted olives (Kalamata or green), halved
- 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Drain well.
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted olives, and finely chopped red onion.
- Add the Pesto:
- Add the pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice to the pasta mixture. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Season and Garnish:
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts (if using), and toss again.
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
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Chilled Pasta Salad with Olives, Tomatoes, and Pesto
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoons
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta fusilli, penne, or farfalle work well
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup pitted olives Kalamata or green, halved
- 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Drain well.
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted olives, and finely chopped red onion.
- Add the Pesto:
- Add the pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice to the pasta mixture. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Season and Garnish:
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts (if using), and toss again.
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Making the Best Chilled Pasta Salad:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes and good olives will make a big difference in flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta until just al dente to ensure it holds up well in the salad and doesn’t become mushy.
- Chill Properly: Allowing the salad to chill thoroughly will enhance the flavors and make it more refreshing.
Why You Should Try This Recipe:
This chilled pasta salad is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean in a light and refreshing dish. Whether you’re looking for a simple lunch, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or a potluck favorite, this pasta salad is sure to please.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and refreshing taste of this chilled pasta salad with olives, tomatoes, and pesto. It’s an easy, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it cold and savor the delightful combination of ingredients that make this salad a true crowd-pleaser.
