Cold Pasta Salad Pesto Mozzarella

A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad featuring tender pasta, creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil pesto—perfect for picnics or light lunches.

I first served this cold pasta salad at a summer picnic and it was an instant hit with friends and family.

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 bocconcini or ciliegine 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

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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.

Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.

Check price on Amazon

Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.

Check price on Amazon

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This recipe always brings my family together as we share stories over a fresh light meal on warm afternoons.

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (mozzarella pesto may contain cheese) and pine nuts (if used). Pesto may contain tree nuts check labels for nut allergies. Pasta contains wheat (gluten) use gluten-free pasta if required.

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 22 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 16 g per serving

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Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.

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This cold pasta salad is a delightful make-ahead dish perfect for any occasion.

Questions & Answers

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the pesto and ingredients well, creating a balanced texture.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, it can be chilled for up to 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

→ Is pesto always made with basil in this dish?

Traditional basil pesto is used here for its fresh, aromatic qualities that complement the other ingredients.

→ What alternatives are there for mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella balls such as bocconcini or ciliegine are preferred for their creamy texture, but plant-based alternatives can be used for vegan options.

→ Can I customize the salad with additional ingredients?

Yes, adding sliced black olives or sun-dried tomatoes can enhance flavor, and toasted pine nuts add a pleasant crunch.