Pesto Pasta Salad

recipe by homeiswheretheholmansare.blogspot.com

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  cup  packed basil leaves
• 2  garlic cloves
• 1⁄4 cup pine nuts
• 1⁄3 cup olive oil
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1  lb rotini pasta
• 1⁄3 cup  roasted red pepper, strips chopped
• 1⁄3 cup  sliced black olives
• 1⁄3 cup red onion, chopped
• 2  ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Boil a large pot of water over high heat. When the water reaches a boil, add salt and add pasta.
2. Cook according to package directions to al dente.
3. Drain and rinse with cold water.
4. Transfer to a large bowl.
5. Combine basil, garlic and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped, slowly stream in olive oil with processor running until uniform.
6. Stir in cheese and pour over pasta.
7. Toss to distribute and add red peppers, olives, onions, and mozzarella cheese. Mix in crushed red pepper flakes.
8. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes prior to serving.