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.

This pasta salad quickly became a staple at our family gatherings because everyone loves the burst of fresh flavors and the creamy mozzarella.

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

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.

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This salad is perfect for family picnics, with everyone reaching for seconds thanks to its fresh and vibrant flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 410 calories, 22 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 16 g protein.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs well with chilled white wine such as Pinot Grigio and crusty Italian bread.

Variations

Add sliced black olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

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Enjoy this dish as a quick lunch or a delightful side for your summer dinners.

Recipe FAQs

→ What pasta types work best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the pesto well and offer a pleasant texture for this salad.

→ Can I prepare the pesto dressing from scratch?

Yes, homemade basil pesto with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil enhances flavor, but store-bought works well too.

→ How do I keep the pasta from sticking after cooking?

Rinse the pasta under cold water immediately after draining to cool and stop cooking, preventing it from sticking together.

→ What are good garnishes to complement the flavors?

Fresh basil leaves add aroma and color, while toasted pine nuts provide a crunchy texture that balances the creamy mozzarella.

→ Is this dish suitable for special diets?

It is vegetarian by default. For vegan options, use dairy-free mozzarella and pesto without cheese. Gluten-free pasta can also be used.