Pesto Pasta Salad is the ultimate side dish or light main meal that combines the bold, herby richness of basil pesto with tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
Whether served cold on a hot summer day or brought to a potluck, it delivers bold flavor in every bite.
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Made with just a handful of ingredients and bursting with color, this salad is easy to make ahead and gets even better as it sits. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, tangy, and herby.
Why You’ll Love Pesto Pasta Salad
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Ideal for meal prep or potlucks
- Can be served warm or cold
- Customizable with add-ins like veggies or protein
- Naturally vegetarian (vegan and gluten-free options available)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz short pasta (fusilli, farfalle, rotini, or penne)
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Baby spinach or arugula
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Roasted red peppers
- Kalamata olives
- Pine nuts for crunch
How to Make Pesto Pasta Salad (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
2. Toss with Olive Oil
Drizzle the cooled pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking and add extra richness.
3. Add the Pesto
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the pasta with pesto until evenly coated.
4. Mix in the Add-Ins
Fold in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, red onions, and any other toppings of your choice. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
5. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Stir and adjust seasoning before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta Salad
- Use al dente pasta to prevent mushiness
- Rinse pasta after cooking to cool it down and stop the cooking process
- Use high-quality pesto for best flavor
- Chill before serving to let flavors meld
- Add delicate greens last so they don’t wilt
Flavor Variations
Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad
Add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mayo to the pesto for a creamy twist.
Vegan Version
Use vegan pesto and plant-based mozzarella or skip the cheese.
Protein-Packed
Add grilled chicken, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas.
Mediterranean-Inspired
Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta.
Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients Â
- Pasta pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, onion, Parmesan, olive oil
InstructionsÂ
- Cook and rinse pasta
- Toss with olive oil
- Mix with pesto
- Add veggies and cheese
- Chill and enjoy
Notes
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pesto pasta be eaten cold?
Absolutely! Pesto pasta salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. It’s refreshing and flavorful, especially in warm weather.
What are the five mistakes to avoid pasta salad?
Overcooking the pasta
Not rinsing pasta (in cold salads)
Not seasoning properly
Using low-quality pesto
Not letting it chill before serving
Can pesto sauce be served cold?
Yes, pesto is delicious served cold. It’s made with oil, herbs, and cheese, which all work beautifully in cold dishes like pasta salad.
Can I put pesto pasta in the fridge?
Definitely! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen with time.
Serving Ideas
- As a BBQ side dish
- For weekday meal prep
- At picnics or potlucks
- As a light dinner with grilled proteins
- Packed in school or office lunch boxes
FinallY !
Pesto Pasta Salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and satisfying flavor. It’s the perfect dish to make ahead and bring to gatherings, or to keep in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch or a crowd-pleasing potluck addition, this salad has you covered. Customize it to your liking and enjoy every bite.
for more helthy recipes you should also read Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad