Pesto Pasta Salad
A vibrant and fresh pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and aromatic pesto, perfect for picnics and summer dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking (only boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, and pine nuts in a large bowl.
- Add the pesto to the bowl and gently toss the ingredients until well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish the salad with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For a creamier texture, add mascarpone or grated Parmesan. Toast pine nuts for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Find it online: https://ameliasweets.com/2026/08/07/pesto-pasta-salad/