Cold Pasta Pesto Salad

A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad featuring tender pasta, creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil pesto—perfect for picnics or light lunches.

This pasta salad has been a summer favorite in my family for years. It's always a hit at gatherings and so simple to throw together last minute.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (e.g. fusilli, penne, or farfalle) and salt for boiling water
• Vegetables & Cheese: 250 g (9 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved, 200 g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained and halved, 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• Pesto Dressing: 60 g (1/4 cup) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Garnish: Fresh basil leaves, torn, 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.

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Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and red onion (if using).

Step 3:

In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 4:

Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5:

Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and pine nuts, if desired.

Step 6:

Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.

Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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We enjoy this pasta salad together on warm evenings, making memories with every bite.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sliced black olives or sun-dried tomatoes. Substitute whole-grain or gluten-free pasta if needed. For a vegan option, use vegan mozzarella and pesto without cheese. Pairs well with chilled white wine such as Pinot Grigio.

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (mozzarella, pesto may contain cheese) and pine nuts (if used). Pesto may contain tree nuts; check labels for nut allergies. Pasta contains wheat (gluten); use gluten-free pasta if required.

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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

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This pasta salad is as delightful as it is easy to prepare and sure to be a hit every time.

Recipe Q&A

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short pastas like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the pesto dressing well and provide a nice texture.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, chilling the pasta salad for up to 2 hours enhances the flavors and makes it even more refreshing.

→ How can I make the dish vegan-friendly?

Use vegan mozzarella and prepare pesto without cheese to keep it plant-based while maintaining rich flavor.

→ Are there suggested additions for extra flavor?

Sliced black olives or sun-dried tomatoes add a deeper, savory touch that complements the dish well.

→ What garnishes enhance the presentation?

Fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts provide both visual appeal and added texture.