Pesto Pasta Salad

This fresh and vibrant pesto pasta salad is summer in a bowl! Made with just 6 simple ingredients, it’s the perfect quick-fix side dish that always disappears at potlucks and BBQs. I love how the bright basil pesto coats every piece of pasta, while juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy mozzarella add incredible texture and flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Pasta Salad

• Quick & easy 20-minute recipe
• Only 6 simple, fresh ingredients
• Perfect make-ahead dish (flavors get even better!)
• Versatile – works as a side or light main dish
• No mayo means it’s picnic and BBQ-friendly
• Customizable with your favorite mix-ins
• Restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort

Trust me, this isn’t your average pasta salad. The key is using really good pesto – whether it’s homemade or store-bought (I won’t tell!). I love pairing this with my fresh tomato cucumber salad for the ultimate summer spread. The farfalle pasta catches all the herby pesto in its little nooks and crannies, while fresh mozzarella adds delightful creaminess that’ll keep you coming back for more.

While I love the classic combination here, feel free to make it your own! Try adding grilled chicken, pine nuts, or roasted red peppers. The possibilities are endless, but I find this simple version hits all the right notes. Just remember my #1 tip: don’t skip rinsing the pasta in cold water – it stops the cooking process and prevents your salad from becoming mushy.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare this up to 24 hours in advance, but I recommend adding the fresh mozzarella just before serving for the best texture. The pasta will soak up some of the pesto overnight, so you might want to stir in an extra spoonful before serving.

Key Ingredients: Fresh & Simple

Let me walk you through exactly what you’ll need to make this perfect summer pasta salad! Each ingredient plays a special role in creating those amazing Italian flavors we’re after.

• Pasta: I love using farfalle (bow-tie pasta) because those little folds catch every bit of pesto perfectly! But truly, any bite-sized pasta works beautifully – penne, rotini, or even cute little orecchiette. Just remember my golden rule: cook it al dente since it’ll continue softening as it sits.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Skip the pre-shredded stuff and grab a ball of fresh mozzarella! Cut it into bite-sized cubes right before mixing. The way it gets all creamy and melts slightly into the warm pasta… pure magic! If you can find the tiny mozzarella pearls, those work wonderfully too.
• Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes for that gorgeous pop of color. They’re like little bursts of sunshine! Quarter them if they’re large, halve them if they’re small. In a pinch, you can dice up regular tomatoes too.
• Pesto: Here’s where the magic happens! While I adore using homemade basil pesto, a good-quality store-bought version works perfectly too. Look for one that’s bright green and fresh-tasting – you’ll need about ¾ cup.

Success Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this salad absolutely foolproof:

1. Don’t skip the cold rinse! After cooking your pasta, give it a good rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process immediately and prevents your pasta from getting mushy. It also helps the pesto stick better – trust me on this one!
2. Season as you go. While the recipe includes parmesan cheese, don’t be shy about adding an extra pinch of salt or fresh cracked pepper. Pasta salads can handle generous seasoning.
3. Let it rest. If you can resist diving in right away, let your salad hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The flavors mingle and develop, making every bite even more delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through making this gorgeous pesto pasta salad! I’ve made this countless times for summer gatherings, and I’ve perfected the method to ensure you get perfect results every single time.

The Perfect Pasta Base

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt (the pasta should taste like sea water!). Cook your farfalle until just al dente – usually 1 minute less than package directions.
2. The crucial cold rinse: Here’s my game-changing tip – drain your pasta and immediately rinse under cold water, tossing gently. This stops the cooking process and creates the perfect texture for your salad.
3. Mix and season: While the pasta is still slightly warm (but not hot), toss it with your pesto. The residual warmth helps the pasta absorb all those beautiful basil flavors. Start with ½ cup pesto, then add more to taste.

Assembly Magic

Now comes the fun part! In a large bowl, combine your pesto-coated pasta with:

• Halved cherry tomatoes (I love using a mix of colors)
• Cucumber slices (cut them on a slight diagonal for prettiest presentation)
• Fresh mozzarella cubes
• A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan

Delicious Variations

While I adore the classic version, this pasta salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up:

Mix-In Ideas

• Protein Additions: Try adding grilled chicken, crispy prosciutto, or chickpeas
• Extra Veggies: Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or blanched asparagus work beautifully
• Crunchy Elements: Toast some pine nuts or add a handful of crisp bacon bits

For a Mediterranean twist, try pairing this with my fresh tomato cucumber salad – they’re a match made in heaven! The bright, fresh flavors complement each other perfectly.

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad actually gets better after it sits for a few hours! If making ahead, reserve a little extra pesto to toss in just before serving, as the pasta will absorb the sauce overnight. For best results, add the fresh mozzarella just before serving.

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Sweet friends, this pesto pasta salad has become my summer potluck superstar! It’s one of those recipes that proves sometimes the simplest combinations create the most magical flavors. Every time I make it, people ask for the recipe – and isn’t that just the best feeling?

I’d absolutely love to hear how this recipe turns out in your kitchen! Drop me a comment below if you try it, or tag me in your photos – seeing your creations makes my day. And remember, don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect – this recipe is wonderfully forgiving and always turns out delicious!