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pesto pasta recipe

Pesto Pasta Salad (Gluten Free)

Tammy OverhoffTammy Overhoff
This pesto pasta salad includes four ingredients, comes together quickly, and is a favorite at summer picnics, potlucks, and BBQs. It's the perfect Italian side dish, or add grilled chicken or shrimp and transform it into a tasty main dish.  And the best part? Nobody knows it's gluten free!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 people
Calories 328 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Pasta strainer
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • large bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup homemade pesto
  • 12 ounces gluten free spiral pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cut into chunks

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook al dente according to the package directions.
  • After the pasta cooks for about 8 minutes, remove around ½ cup of pasta water. This will probably be more than you need, but I always find it helpful to take a little extra just in case.
  • Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water. Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
  • Add the pesto and a couple of tablespoons of pasta water. 
  • Stir until the pesto sauce easily coats the pasta; if you need to add more pasta water, do so.
  • Add the tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese to the bowl with the pasta.
  • Stir until combined. Give it a taste for salt and black pepper. I usually add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt and that really helps the flavors pop.
  • Serve immediately or, if you want it cold, store it in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if you want.

Notes

Storage
Gluten free pesto pasta salad can be made a couple of hours in advance and stored using an airtight container in the refrigerator.
If you're making this for a party, I don't recommend making it the day before because the pasta can get a stiff texture. Instead, get all of the ingredients together minus the pasta. Make the pasta and put the salad together on the day of the party.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 328kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 423mgPotassium: 103mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 843IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 185mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cold pesto pasta salad, gluten free pesto pasta salad, italian pesto pasta salad, pesto pasta salad, pesto pasta salad recipe
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