Description
This Summer Pesto Pasta Salad (Gluten Free) is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Packed with juicy grape tomatoes, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy basil pesto dressing, this salad makes an ideal side or main course. It’s quick to prepare in just 10 minutes and offers a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love. Not only is it gluten-free, but the wholesome ingredients provide a nutritious boost too! Serve it chilled at picnics or barbecues, and enjoy its deliciously rich taste that will have guests coming back for more!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz gluten-free short pasta (like fusilli or penne)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 1 cup unsalted walnuts
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup jarred basil pesto
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the gluten-free pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, basil pesto, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with grape tomatoes and walnuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until well coated.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 412
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg