Save Pin A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad featuring tender pasta, creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil pesto—perfect for picnics or light lunches.
This salad quickly became a summer favorite in my family, always requested for our picnics and casual dinners.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (e.g., fusilli, penne, or farfalle), salt for boiling water
- Vegetables & Cheese: 250 g (9 oz) cherry tomatoes halved, 200 g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella balls drained and halved, 1/4 red onion thinly sliced (optional)
- Pesto Dressing: 60 g (1/4 cup) basil pesto store-bought or homemade, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves torn, 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and red onion (if using).
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5:
- Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and pine nuts if desired.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.
Save Pin My family always enjoys this dish at weekend gatherings, often accompanied by a crisp white wine and laughter.
Tips for the Best Salad
Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes and quality pesto for the most vibrant flavor.
Storing Leftovers
Keep the salad refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for best taste and freshness.
Variations to Try
Add sliced black olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Save Pin 
This pasta salad is a quick and delicious solution for warm days when you want something fresh and satisfying.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle holds the pesto and ingredients well, offering a great texture contrast.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the dish for up to 2 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully without affecting the texture.
- → Is there a recommended alternative for mozzarella?
Fresh bocconcini or ciliegine mozzarella balls are ideal, but vegan cheese substitutes can be used for a dairy-free option.
- → How should the pasta be cooled after cooking?
Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly, ensuring a refreshing texture.
- → What optional ingredients enhance the flavor?
Sliced black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts can add extra depth and texture to the dish.