If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures, this Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Perfectly combining al dente pasta with creamy mozzarella, tangy cherry tomatoes, and the herbaceous punch of homemade pesto, this salad feels both elegant and comfortingly familiar. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual picnics. Trust me, once you try this Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe truly shine is how simple but essential each ingredient is. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding freshness, creaminess, tang, or texture, creating a perfectly balanced dish that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Pasta (1 pound): Choose cavatelli or penne for their perfect bite and ability to hold the pesto sauce beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Add pops of juiciness and vibrant color that brighten every forkful.
- Fresh mozzarella (8 oz, bite-sized pieces): Provides a creamy, mild richness that contrasts wonderfully with the tangy veggies.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Offers just a hint of sharpness to balance the dish.
- Pepperoncini (1/4 cup, chopped): For a subtle tangy and mildly spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Parsley (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Adds an herbal freshness and a touch of green to the salad.
- Basil leaves (3 cups): The star of the pesto, providing that unmistakable aromatic herb flavor.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): Binds everything together and gives a luscious smoothness to the pesto.
- Pine nuts (1/3 cup): Toasted for nuttiness and texture in the homemade pesto.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens and lifts the flavors for a fresh finish.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Adds depth and a subtle spicy warmth to the pesto.
- Sea salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasonings that bring out the natural goodness of every ingredient.
How to Make Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, then cook the pasta until just tender. The key here is al dente — you want pasta that still has a little bite to hold up well when tossed with the pesto and other ingredients. Once cooked, drain it and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
Step 2: Make the Pesto
This is where the magic happens! In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend everything until the pesto is luxuriously smooth, with that vibrant green color topping the list of reasons this dish tastes so fresh and inviting.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the cooled pasta and the freshly made pesto to coat every piece beautifully. Add in the halved cherry tomatoes, bite-sized mozzarella chunks, finely chopped red onion, pepperoncini, and parsley. Gently toss everything to combine — this creates a delightful melody of colors, textures, and flavors in every bite.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
Before serving, take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a little extra salt or a splash more lemon juice can perfect the balance. This salad is fantastic served chilled or at room temperature, making it incredibly flexible for whatever dining occasion you have in mind.
How to Serve Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your salad’s appearance and flavor with a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of extra toasted pine nuts adds satisfying crunch, while a few fresh basil leaves provide an aromatic finishing touch. Don’t forget a light drizzle of olive oil or a grating of Parmesan cheese to elevate the salad effortlessly.
Side Dishes
This pesto pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or seafood for a heartier meal, or alongside a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread for a complete picnic spread. Its versatility means it complements many dishes, making it an easy star on your dinner table or party buffet.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Present this salad in individual mason jars for picnic-style servings or on a platter lined with edible flowers and basil sprigs for a stunning centerpiece. Layering it in a clear trifle bowl also shows off the vibrant colors and invites guests to dig in with delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pesto pasta salad keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, although the fresh textures of tomatoes and mozzarella are best enjoyed within the first day for maximum freshness.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate nature of the fresh ingredients and cheese, which can become watery and lose their texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating is generally not necessary or recommended. However, if you prefer a warm dish, try heating just the pasta separately and then tossing it with fresh pesto and the other cool ingredients to keep that fresh, vibrant taste.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this salad?
Absolutely! While homemade pesto offers a fresh and vibrant flavor, a good-quality store-bought pesto can be a convenient and tasty alternative when you’re short on time.
What pasta works best for Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe?
Pasta shapes like cavatelli or penne are ideal because their little curves and tubes hold onto the pesto sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare the pasta and pesto up to a day in advance, but it’s best to toss the salad and add fresh ingredients like tomatoes and mozzarella just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure to check that your pesto doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients like Parmesan with animal rennet if you want to strictly adhere to vegetarian guidelines.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas make excellent protein additions that complement the flavors and elevate the salad to a satisfying main dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe that makes it feel like a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients brought together in perfect harmony. Easy to prepare, endlessly delicious, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for time and again. Give it a try and discover just how much joy a bowl of pasta salad can bring!
Print
Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of tender pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a homemade basil pesto dressing. It offers a refreshing, flavorful dish ideal for casual lunches, picnics, or as a side for dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 1 pound pasta (cavatelli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
Pesto Dressing
- 3 cups basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth, creamy pesto sauce.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pieces, red onion, pepperoncini, and chopped parsley. Toss thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated with the pesto.
- Adjust and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper. Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pine nuts before blending.
- You can substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- The salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir before serving.
- Add grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost.
- Make sure to rinse the pasta thoroughly to prevent it from sticking.
