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Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Cheese Recipe

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3.8 from 38 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 18 servings (1/2 cup each)

Description

This Pesto Pasta Salad is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta shells with a creamy pesto and mayo dressing, fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy mini cucumbers, and cubed string cheese. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a perfect side or light meal for warm days or gatherings, enhanced with optional toppings like parmesan, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 8 ounces pasta shells
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 mini cucumbers, sliced

Dressing

  • 12.5 ounces prepared pesto
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Cheese and Toppings

  • 6 string cheese sticks, sliced into cubes
  • Parmesan cheese, optional topping
  • Fresh basil, optional topping
  • Toasted pine nuts, optional topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Follow the instructions on the pasta package to cook the shells until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  2. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mini cucumbers, and cubed string cheese sticks. Toss them gently to mix evenly.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, stir together the pesto and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy pesto dressing.
  4. Toss pasta with dressing: Pour the pesto mayo dressing over the pasta and vegetables mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and toasted pine nuts on top to add extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately or chill before serving for a refreshing salad.

Notes

  • Rinsing the pasta with cold water after cooking stops the cooking process and prevents it from sticking.
  • The mayo balances the pesto’s strong flavors and adds creaminess to the salad.
  • Optional toppings like parmesan, basil, and pine nuts add depth and a nice crunch but can be omitted if desired.
  • This salad can be made a few hours ahead and chilled for flavors to meld.
  • For a vegan version, substitute regular mayo with vegan mayo and use vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/pesto-pasta-salad-with-cherry-tomatoes-cucumbers-and-cheese-recipe/