Pasta Salad with Pesto Recipe

When summer arrives, there’s nothing quite like a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad to enjoy outdoors. The Pasta Salad with Pesto Recipe combines tender rotini pasta, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella all beautifully dressed in aromatic pesto. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a colorful dish that’s perfect for sharing at barbecues and picnics.

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying side dish or light meal. It’s great for summer gatherings, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, it can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, making it convenient for busy schedules.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The rotini pasta provides a delightful texture that holds onto the pesto perfectly.
• Fresh ingredients create a burst of flavor with every bite.
• It takes only 30 minutes to prepare, perfect for busy days.
• This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, ideal for any occasion.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pasta salad.

For the Salad

• 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked according to package instructions
• 16 ounces grape tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup prepared pesto
• 1/3 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 8 ounces mini mozzarella pearls
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup red onion, chopped

For Serving

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Fresh basil leaves, torn

Note: You can use store-bought or homemade pesto.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Rotini can be replaced with any pasta shape.
• Mini mozzarella can be substituted with diced regular mozzarella.
• Red onion may be swapped for green onion for a milder flavor.
• Italian parsley can be replaced with basil or cilantro.

How to Make It

Follow these easy steps to create your pasta salad.

Cook the pasta

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.

Mix the salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped grape tomatoes, prepared pesto, fresh Italian parsley, mini mozzarella pearls, salt, and pepper.

Add onion

Add the chopped red onion to the bowl, and toss everything together until well combined.

Taste and adjust

Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper, if needed.

Garnish and serve

Garnish the pasta salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or light meal.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, texture will change.
Reheat: not necessary; serve cold or at room temperature.

Tips for Best Results

• Let the pasta cool before mixing to prevent wilting the fresh ingredients.
• Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
• For added crunch, consider tossing in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
• Prepare the salad a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Pair with a crisp white wine on a warm evening.
• Bring to potlucks or summer barbecues to impress guests.

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