This pesto pasta salad combines al dente fusilli with vibrant homemade basil pesto, sweet peas, cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and crispy prosciutto for texture and salty depth. It's a no-cook pesto that comes together in under 20 minutes and holds well for make-ahead entertaining.
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First, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped. Then, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
With the food processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
Cook the fusilli pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, crisp the prosciutto. Arrange the slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy. Let cool, then crumble.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, thawed peas, mozzarella pearls, and the crumbled crispy prosciutto.
Pour the prepared pesto dressing over the salad ingredients.
Toss everything together until the pasta and all ingredients are evenly coated in the pesto. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days; refresh with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Yes, make pesto up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Add a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.
Cook fusilli to al dente (slightly firm), drain well, and toss immediately with olive oil to stop carryover cooking before adding pesto.
Yes, use about 3/4 cup store-bought pesto as a shortcut, though fresh basil pesto will have brighter flavor.
Use gluten-free fusilli pasta and verify all other ingredients for certification if needed; prosciutto, basil, and cheese are naturally gluten-free.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to refresh flavors.
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