Description
This refreshing pesto pasta salad is made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a zesty homemade pesto. It’s the perfect quick and easy dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or bowtie recommended)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls
- ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
- Add pesto and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add parmesan if using and mix again.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve cold.
Notes
- Use homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto for the best flavor.
- You can make it a day ahead – it tastes even better after chilling.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
