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Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad that's Perfect for Summer BBQs

Enjoy a flavorful Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad that's perfect for summer BBQs, featuring crispy bacon and creamy mozzarella.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup Pesto Sauce any type of pesto
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can also be used
  • 1 medium Shallot or red/green onion
  • 1/3 cup Pasta Water
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice fresh lime juice can also be used
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces Cavatappi Pasta or fusilli/rotini
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved, or diced bell peppers
  • 4 slices Bacon omit for vegetarian option or use turkey bacon
  • 2 cups Arugula spinach or mixed greens can be used
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese or pecorino/nutritional yeast for dairy-free
  • 1 cup Ciliegini Mozzarella or diced mozzarella cheese

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 2 minutes short of package instructions.
  2. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together pesto, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced shallot, reserved pasta water, and lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Toss the chilled pasta with the dressing until evenly coated, then gently fold in bacon, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and arugula.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

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