Tangy Pasta Salad with Pesto Recipe: Summer’s Zesty Delight

Summer’s vibrant pesto pasta salad brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to your table.

Crisp vegetables and tender noodles create a delightful harmony of textures.

Basil’s aromatic essence weaves through each colorful bite, promising a truly memorable meal.

Simple ingredients combine effortlessly, making this dish a breeze to prepare.

Herbs and parmesan cheese add depth and richness to every forkful.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your culinary arsenal.

Savor every refreshing spoonful and let your taste buds dance with delight.

Why Pasta Salad with Pesto Is a Summer Must-Have

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your taste preferences or dietary needs, making this pasta salad a versatile crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Quickly toss together fresh ingredients without complex cooking techniques, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal in minutes.
• Packed with Fresh Flavors: Combine vibrant ingredients like juicy tomatoes, aromatic pesto, and creamy mozzarella pearls for a burst of Mediterranean-inspired taste in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dish in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and providing a convenient meal option for hectic schedules.

What You Need to Make Fresh Pesto Pasta Salad

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the foundation of this refreshing salad.

• Grape Tomatoes, Red Onion: Colorful and crisp vegetables that add brightness and crunch to the dish.
• Italian Parsley, Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herbs that provide a vibrant, fresh flavor profile.

• Mini Mozzarella Pearls: Soft, creamy cheese that creates delightful pockets of richness throughout the salad.
• Prepared Pesto: A flavorful sauce that coats the pasta and brings a classic Italian taste to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds a final layer of depth and complexity.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the pasta salad.

How to Toss Together the Perfect Pesto Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook your favorite pasta shape in a pot of salted boiling water until it reaches al dente texture. Follow the package timing carefully.

Drain the pasta in a colander and spread it out on a large plate to cool down quickly, allowing it to reach room temperature.

Step 2: Chop and Prepare Fresh Ingredients

• Grape tomatoes (chopped into small pieces)
• Red onion (finely diced)
• Fresh Italian parsley (roughly chopped)
• Fresh basil leaves (torn)

Step 3: Mix Flavor Companions

• Prepared pesto
• Chopped grape tomatoes
• Mini mozzarella pearls
• Diced red onion
• Chopped Italian parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Toss and Blend Ingredients

Gently mix all ingredients using a large spoon or salad tongs.

Ensure every pasta piece gets coated with pesto and evenly distributed with other ingredients.

Step 5: Season and Taste

Taste the pasta salad and adjust seasonings.

Add extra salt and pepper if needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Finish with Elegant Touches

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Scatter torn fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish.

Step 7: Serve and Store

Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature.

It works perfectly as a side dish or light meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Smart Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta Texture

• Select short pasta shapes like rotini or penne for better pesto coating and ingredient distribution.
• Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
• Use homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto for maximum flavor intensity.
• Allow pasta to cool completely before mixing to prevent melting mozzarella pearls and maintain fresh ingredient textures.
• Substitute dairy-free mozzarella and nutritional yeast for a vegan version of this versatile pasta salad.

Flavor Combos to Remix Your Pesto Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace pesto with tzatziki sauce, add cucumber chunks, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Protein Power: Mix in grilled chicken strips, crispy bacon bits, and swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar cubes to create a heartier pasta salad.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Incorporate roasted zucchini, grilled bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and swap mozzarella for plant-based cheese alternative for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, corn kernels, and swap pesto with chipotle mayo for a zesty, southwestern-style pasta salad.

What to Serve with Pesto Pasta Salad

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the herbal pesto and balances the creamy mozzarella.
• Enhance with Sparkling Water: Add a splash of lemon-infused sparkling water to brighten the pasta salad's flavors and provide a zesty, palate-cleansing effect.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside lemon-herb grilled chicken or seared shrimp to transform the pasta salad into a complete, satisfying meal with added protein.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Include a slice of rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the pesto's rich olive oil and provide a delightful textural contrast.

Storing Pesto Pasta Salad Without Losing That Bright Bite

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer pasta salad into an airtight glass or plastic container, ensuring a tight seal to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Quick Reheating: Gently warm the pasta salad in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Avoid overheating to prevent ingredient breakdown.
• Cold Serving Option: Remove pasta salad from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to reach a more palatable temperature. Stir gently to redistribute pesto and seasonings.
• Freshness Tip: If the salad seems dry after storage, add a small drizzle of olive oil and toss lightly to restore moisture and revive the flavors before serving.

Pesto Pasta Salad FAQs You’ll Be Glad to Know

• What ingredients make this pesto pasta salad unique?

The combination of fresh herbs like Italian parsley and basil, along with mini mozzarella pearls and homemade or store-bought pesto, creates a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this pasta salad in advance. The flavors actually develop and become more intense when allowed to sit for a few hours in the refrigerator before serving.

• Is this pasta salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is completely vegetarian and can easily be made with gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary preferences.

• How can I add more protein to this pasta salad?

You can incorporate grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans to boost the protein content and make it more filling.

Pasta Salad with Pesto Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Pesto Pasta Salad delivers fresh summer flavors with zesty basil sauce, crisp vegetables, and tender pasta. Colorful ingredients blend perfectly, creating a light yet satisfying meal you can enjoy at picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) grape tomatoes, chopped
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) fresh Italian parsley
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) red onion, chopped

Cheese and Sauce:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) prepared pesto
• 8 ounces (227 grams) mini mozzarella pearls
• Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
2. Transfer cooled pasta to a spacious mixing vessel, creating a foundation for the vibrant salad.
3. Incorporate chopped grape tomatoes, creating bursts of juicy color throughout the mixture.
4. Fold prepared pesto into the pasta, ensuring each strand is generously coated with herbal, garlicky essence.
5. Gently mix in mini mozzarella pearls, adding creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
6. Sprinkle finely diced red onion for sharp, crisp undertones that complement the smooth ingredients.
7. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning for balanced flavor.
8. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a delicate, salty layer of complexity.
9. Scatter torn fresh basil leaves across the top, introducing a final aromatic touch.
10. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop before serving.
11. Store in sealed container in refrigerator for optimal freshness, consuming within 5 days for best quality.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta al dente by salting water generously and testing texture 1-2 minutes before recommended cooking time.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil pesto for richer, more authentic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Quickly chill pasta after cooking by rinsing with cold water to stop cooking process and prevent sticky texture.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with chickpea, quinoa, or brown rice pasta alternatives that maintain similar texture and nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg