Pesto Pasta Salad

This vibrant pesto pasta salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Loaded with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic pesto, it’s the perfect combination of Italian-inspired ingredients. Whether you’re headed to a summer potluck or need a quick weeknight side dish, this recipe has become my go-to for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Pasta Salad

• Quick and easy – ready in just 20 minutes
• Perfectly al dente pasta coated in rich, herby pesto
• Fresh ingredients that create amazing texture
• Versatile – works as a main dish or side
• Make-ahead friendly for easy entertaining
• Customizable with your favorite mix-ins
• No complicated techniques required

I’ve tested countless pasta salad recipes over the years, but this one stands out for its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The tender farfalle pasta creates little pockets that catch the bright pesto sauce, while cherry tomatoes add bursts of sweetness and fresh mozzarella brings creamy richness to every bite. If you enjoy this recipe, you’ll also love my classic tuna pasta salad for another easy summer option.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. While I love using farfalle (bow-tie pasta), any short pasta shape works beautifully here. The key is cooking your pasta just until al dente – it should still have a slight bite to it. This prevents the salad from becoming mushy as it sits and allows the pesto to cling perfectly to each piece.

Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought pesto (both work wonderfully!), this pasta salad is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together, making it perfect for meal prep or taking to gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pesto Pasta Salad

Let me walk you through exactly what you’ll need to make this crowd-pleasing pasta salad! Each ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Pasta: I love using farfalle (bow-tie) pasta since those little folds catch and hold the pesto beautifully. Any short pasta works great though – penne, rotini, or even orecchiette. Just be sure to cook it al dente to prevent mushy pasta salad!
• Pesto: The star of the show! While I often make my own basil pesto when my garden is bursting, a good quality store-bought pesto works wonderfully too. Look for one with real Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and extra virgin olive oil listed in the first few ingredients.
• Cherry Tomatoes: I like using a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes for gorgeous pops of color. They add a sweet burst of fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the pesto. Quarter them if they’re on the larger side.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Go for the good stuff here! Fresh mozzarella has this incredible creamy texture that gets even better when tossed with the warm pasta. I cut it into bite-sized cubes, but those tiny mozzarella pearls work beautifully too.
• English Cucumber: These add such a lovely crunch! I prefer English cucumbers since they have fewer seeds and a crispier texture than regular cucumbers. Give them a good dice so they’re easy to eat.
• Parmesan: Please grate your own! Pre-grated cheese just doesn’t melt into the pasta the same way. A microplane grater makes quick work of this.

Success Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad

After making this salad countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks that make a big difference:

1. Don’t overcook the pasta! Test it a minute before the package directions suggest. It should have a slight bite – this prevents the salad from becoming mushy as it sits.
2. Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch that could make your salad gummy. Plus, it cools the pasta quickly so you can toss it with the pesto right away.
3. Season as you go. While the pesto adds plenty of flavor, don’t forget to salt your pasta water well – it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself! You might want to check out my fresh tomato cucumber salad for more tips on seasoning summer vegetables perfectly.
4. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before serving if you can. This gives all those lovely flavors time to mingle and develop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through exactly how to make this perfect pesto pasta salad! I’ve made this countless times and have the process down to a science.

1. Prepare the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
• Add a generous pinch of salt – the water should taste like the sea!
• Cook pasta just until al dente (about 8-9 minutes for farfalle)
• Drain and rinse immediately with cold water

Pro Tip: Don’t skip rinsing! It stops the cooking process and prevents your pasta from getting mushy. Plus, it helps the pesto coat each piece perfectly.

2. Mix and Assemble

• Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl
• Add pesto and gently toss until every piece is coated
• Fold in halved cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber
• Add fresh mozzarella cubes
• Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan

Just like my tres leches cupcakes, the magic happens in the resting time. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors mingle!

Delicious Variations

This pesto pasta salad is wonderfully versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up:

• Add Protein: Grilled chicken, crispy chickpeas, or Italian salami
• Extra Veggies: Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or black olives
• Cheese Swap: Try cubed provolone or tiny balls of burrata
• Pasta Options: Rotini, penne, or even tortellini work beautifully

Make-Ahead Tip: If preparing in advance, reserve a little extra pesto to toss through just before serving – this keeps everything fresh and vibrant.

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Or brighten it up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some torn basil leaves right before serving.

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This pesto pasta salad has become my summer potluck superstar! It’s one of those recipes that gets rave reviews every time, whether I’m serving it at a backyard BBQ or packing it for a picnic lunch. The combination of tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and creamy mozzarella wrapped in fragrant pesto creates something truly special.

Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible – don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Add your favorite vegetables, swap in different cheeses, or toss in some grilled chicken to make it a complete meal. I’d love to hear how you customize it to make it perfect for your family. Happy cooking, friends! 💚