Pesto Pasta Salad
You’ll find that pesto pasta salad strikes an ideal balance between casual comfort food and elegant Mediterranean cuisine. It’s more than just mixing pasta with pesto—the key lies in understanding how each component contributes to the final dish. From the way pasta shapes trap the herbal sauce to the interplay of textures between soft mozzarella and crunchy pine nuts, this versatile salad offers a complex yet approachable canvas for your culinary creativity.
Overview
- Combine cooked fusilli or rotini pasta with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and toasted pine nuts.
- Cook pasta al dente, rinse under cold water, and toss with pesto while cool to prevent clumping.
- Customize with Mediterranean additions like olives and artichokes, or add protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Reserve extra pesto to refresh the salad before serving, as pasta tends to absorb the sauce.
- Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Recipe Overview
Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender pasta with aromatic basil pesto, fresh vegetables, and creamy mozzarella. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings, picnics, and meal prep, this versatile salad delivers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures while celebrating the classic combination of Italian ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fusilli or rotini pasta
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain pasta and rinse immediately under cold water to stop cooking process.
- Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Add pesto and olive oil to pasta, tossing well to coat evenly.
- Fold in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and red onion.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and torn basil leaves.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Top Tips
- Cook pasta slightly al dente as it will continue to soften in the dressing
- Reserve some pesto to refresh the salad just before serving
- Toast pine nuts in a dry pan until golden for enhanced flavor
- Use room temperature mozzarella for better flavor absorption
- Allow salad to come to room temperature before serving
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Variations
- Mediterranean: Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and sundried tomatoes
- Protein-Packed: Include grilled chicken, chickpeas, or Italian tuna
- Veggie-Loaded: Mix in roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus
- Winter Version: Use kale pesto and roasted winter vegetables
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta
Nutritional Guide
Per serving (1 cup):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
This pasta salad provides a good balance of carbohydrates for energy, healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, and protein from mozzarella. It’s rich in antioxidants from fresh basil and tomatoes, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pesto Pasta Salad Be Frozen for Later Use?
You’ll want to avoid freezing pasta salad as it can become mushy. For best freezing tips, store pesto separately in airtight storage containers and combine with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
How Long Will Pesto Pasta Salad Stay Fresh at Room Temperature?
Following food safety tips, you shouldn’t leave pasta salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours. For best results and to protect against bacteria growth, you’ll want to refrigerate it within 1 hour.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta made from alternative grains like rice, quinoa, or corn. You’ll get the same delicious results while accommodating your dietary needs.
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto Instead of Homemade?
You’ll find store-bought pesto saves precious time and guarantees consistent results, while homemade can be unpredictable and labor-intensive. Just check the label’s quality ingredients and you’re ready to start cooking!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to Customize This Salad?
You’ll love adding roasted bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini ribbons, or baby spinach. For extra flavor, try artichoke hearts, sliced cucumbers, peas and corn, or shredded carrots to make it your own.
Before You Go
You’ll find this pesto pasta salad to be a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of al dente pasta, homemade basil pesto, and fresh vegetables creates layers of Mediterranean flavors and textures. The addition of pine nuts provides crunch, while mozzarella adds creaminess. It’s easily customizable to your preferences and can be prepared ahead, making it an efficient choice for meal planning.
