This Easy Pesto Pasta Salad is perfect for summer days! With ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tasty pesto, it’s fresh and full of flavor. Just toss it together for a colorful dish!
This salad is a real time-saver because it can be made ahead. I love serving it at picnics or barbecues—it’s always a hit, and who doesn’t love easy, delicious pasta?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I like using rotini because its shape holds the pesto well. You can swap it for any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or penne if that’s what you have on hand.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a pop of color and a burst of juiciness. If cherry tomatoes are out of season, chopped regular tomatoes work too. Just be sure to remove excess seeds for less moisture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess and a delightful texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option or a vegan alternative, try using cubed avocado or a dairy-free mozzarella.
Red Onion: The red onion gives a bit of sharpness. For a milder flavor, use green onions or chives. If you want sweetness, consider caramelizing the onions before adding them.
Basil Pesto: Homemade pesto is amazing, but store-bought saves time! If you’re allergic to nuts, try sunflower seed butter or avoid nuts altogether. Any green sauce like spinach or arugula pesto would work too.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Flavorful?
To make this pasta salad taste great, focus on the seasoning and the cooling process. After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and help it absorb the flavors later.
- Always salt your pasta water; it enhances the pasta flavor itself.
- After mixing, let the salad chill in the fridge. This helps the ingredients marry together!
- For extra flavor, taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice gives it a great zing!
Easy Pesto Pasta Salad for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced or small mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful summer salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. Overall, you can have it ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Cool the Pasta:
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Give it a good rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad. This step helps prevent mushy pasta!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella cheese, and finely chopped red onion. Give everything a gentle toss so the ingredients are mixed together nicely.
4. Add the Pesto:
Next, pour the basil pesto over the pasta mixture. Toss everything well to ensure that each bite is coated with the delicious pesto. If the mixture seems a bit thick, add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and to help loosen it up.
5. Season to Taste:
Season your salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it another gentle mix to incorporate the flavors.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld together and makes it even tastier!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious pesto pasta salad, you can serve it chilled or at room temperature. Perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue—your friends and family will love it!
Enjoy this light, flavorful, and easy-to-make pesto pasta salad perfect for warm weather!
FAQ for Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rotini pasta with any gluten-free pasta variety. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package as gluten-free pasta can have different cooking times.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 3 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so feel free to add a touch more pesto or olive oil when serving again.
Can I Add Other Veggies or Proteins?
Yes! Feel free to customize your salad by adding veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or spinach. For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken, chickpeas, or diced pesto marinated tofu for a heartier meal.
Is This Dish Good for Meal Prep?
Definitely! This pasta salad is great for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance for lunches or picnics. Just keep the portions in separate containers and make sure to toss well just before serving to bring back the flavors!
