Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad is easy to make, full of flavor, and hard to resist!
In this fresh, easy side dish, pasta is tossed with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil in a quick creamy pesto dressing.
It’s perfect for cookouts, picnics, and parties or an easy lunch or dinner!
![Enjoy the Mediterranean flavors in this pesto pasta salad recipe. For this dish, pasta is tossed with a garlicky salad dressing made from pesto with basil. Add some olives, tomatoes, and bocconcini cheese, and the best salad is ready. Add some chicken to make it a main dish! #pestopastasalad #pastasalad #recipe #spendwithpennies pesto pasta salad in a bowl with parsley](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Pesto-Pasta-Salad-SpendWithPennies-3.jpeg)
An Easy Meal or Side
- Make ahead, chill, and serve when ready. Easy peasy!
- This salad is pretty to look at and delicious.
- Enjoy as a meatless main dish or add in chicken, bay shrimp, smoked salmon or even sliced salami!
- Potluck perfect, this easy meal is a favorite at BBQs and get-togethers, too.
Ingredients
PASTA – Choose pasta with ridges, twists, or tubes for the dressing to cling to. Cavatappi (corkscrew), farfalle (bow-tie), penne, fusilli, or rotini are all excellent choices for this salad.
PESTO – Pre-made pesto sauce is easy to find at almost any store! Homemade pesto with herbs, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil is quick to make in a food processor. Or try an herb basil pesto or homemade kale pesto.
CHEESE – Soft fresh mozzarella can be found in small balls, AKA “bocconcini”. Cut cocktail size in half or use fresh mozzarella pearls if you’d like (or even a sprinkle of feta cheese). A large ball of mozzarella can be cut into small cubes, if necessary.
VEGGIES: Grape or cherry tomatoes add a fresh tang to this pesto pasta salad recipe. Add your summertime favorites, from corn off the cob to fresh spinach, red onion, or even diced cucumbers.
![It won't take long at all to make this homemade pesto pasta salad. Simply toss some rotini noodles or other pasta with a tasty homemade dressing made from creamy pesto and add some cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Other add-ins like chicken or avocado add so much classic flavor & extra protein! #pestopastasalad #pastasalad #recipe #spendwithpennies Pesto Pasta Salad ingredients in a bowl](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Pesto-Pasta-Salad-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
How to Make Pesto Pasta Salad
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Prep Dressing: Mix dressing ingredients in a bowl per the recipe below.
- Mix & Chill: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl & refrigerate before serving.
Serve with homemade garlic bread or crostini on the side.
![For all the flavors of the Mediterranean, indulge in this pesto pasta salad recipe. Pasta is tossed with a creamy pesto dressing, some tomatoes, plus cheese and olives for a delicious dish. The dressing is fantastic! Add some shrimp, salmon, or chicken if desired. Spinach, peas, or feta all make great add-ins! #pestopastasalad #pastasalad #recipe #spendwithpennies Pesto Pasta Salad in a bowl](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1200-Pesto-Pasta-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies.jpeg)
Make Ahead & Leftovers
To make ahead, prepare all ingredients a day or two ahead of time and store them separately. Toss together a few hours before serving.
Store leftover pesto pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If using homemade pesto and store for up to 3 days.
More Mediterranean Inspired Pasta Salads
Did you make this Pesto Pasta Salad? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
![pesto pasta salad in a bowl with parsley](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Pesto-Pasta-Salad-SpendWithPennies-3-220x220.jpeg)
Pesto Pasta Salad
This refreshing pesto pasta salad is the perfect combination of pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, and olives, all mixed in with a flavorful pesto dressing!
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In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente and drain well. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
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In a small bowl, whisk pesto, mayonnaise, and red wine vinegar.
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In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, grape tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives. Add the dressing and toss well to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
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Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
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Chop fresh basil and sprinkle on top just before serving
- Rinse the pasta in cold water to stop it from cooking.
- As the salad sits, it will absorb dressing so be sure to dress generously.
- Optional additions include parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, capers, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
*If using homemade pesto, the pasta salad and leftover pesto should be refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 days.
Calories: 338 | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 449mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 760IU | Vitamin C: 5.4mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1.2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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![Enjoy the Mediterranean flavors in this pesto pasta salad recipe. For this dish, pasta is tossed with a garlicky salad dressing made from pesto with basil. Add some olives, tomatoes, and bocconcini cheese, and the best salad is ready. Add some chicken to make it a main dish! #pestopastasalad #pastasalad #recipe #spendwithpennies Pesto Pasta Salad in a bowl and plated with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LP-Pesto-Pasta-Salad-3-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
![It won't take long at all to make this homemade pesto pasta salad. Simply toss some rotini noodles or other pasta with a tasty homemade dressing made from creamy pesto and add some cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Other add-ins like chicken or avocado add so much classic flavor & extra protein! #pestopastasalad #pastasalad #recipe #spendwithpennies plated Pesto Pasta Salad with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/NP-Pesto-Pasta-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-1.jpg)
![mixed Pesto Pasta Salad ingredients in a bowl with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SP-Pesto-Pasta-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-1.jpg)
![close up of Pesto Pasta Salad with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SP-Pesto-Pasta-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)