Pasta Salads

Pesto Pasta Salad

Name: Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup pine nuts; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 lb (450g) bow tie pasta; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup sliced cucumber; 1 cup sliced bell peppers; 8 oz (225g) mozzarella cheese, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste

By Vera Northcote · June 19, 2026 · Pasta Salads

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total50 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I tasted a truly great pesto pasta salad. It was at a family gathering, and my aunt had made it for the occasion. The combination of the creamy pesto sauce, the al dente pasta, and the fresh vegetables was absolutely delightful.

As a home cook, I've always been drawn to Italian-American cuisine, with its rich flavors and hearty portions. And pesto pasta salad is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. It's easy to make, it's perfect for a crowd, and it's a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home.

Over the years, I've experimented with different pesto recipes, trying to find the perfect balance of flavors. And I've learned that the key to a great pesto pasta salad is to use high-quality ingredients, from the freshest basil to the best extra-virgin olive oil.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious pesto pasta salad that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer gathering. It's a simple and flavorful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household.

So let's get started, and let's make some delicious pesto pasta salad!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer gathering.
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables or proteins.
It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home.
The recipe makes a large batch, so you can feed a crowd or have leftovers for later.
It's a healthy and satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great pesto pasta salad is in the sauce. A good pesto sauce should be creamy and flavorful, with a perfect balance of basil, garlic, and cheese. And the key to achieving this balance is to use high-quality ingredients and to make the sauce from scratch.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the pasta. I like to use a short, sturdy pasta shape, such as bow tie or penne, that can hold its own against the creamy sauce. And I always make sure to cook the pasta al dente, so that it still has a bit of bite to it.

Finally, the vegetables add a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. I like to use a combination of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers, but you can use any vegetables you like.

By combining these ingredients in the right way, we can create a pesto pasta salad that's not only delicious but also healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious pesto pasta salad, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is the pesto sauce, which is made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. You'll also need some pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese.

When shopping for these ingredients, make sure to choose the freshest and highest-quality options available. Fresh basil is essential for a good pesto sauce, and high-quality cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.

1 cup fresh basil leavesFresh basil is essential for a good pesto sauce. Look for bright green leaves with no signs of wilting or browning.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the pesto sauce. Use high-quality garlic for the best flavor.
1/2 cup pine nutsPine nuts add a rich, nutty flavor to the pesto sauce. You can also use walnuts or almonds as a substitute.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a key ingredient in pesto sauce. Look for high-quality, aged Parmesan for the best flavor.
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oilExtra-virgin olive oil is essential for a good pesto sauce. It adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps to bring the ingredients together.
1 lb (450g) bow tie pastaBow tie pasta is a great shape for pesto pasta salad. It's sturdy enough to hold its own against the creamy sauce, and it's easy to cook al dente.
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halvedCherry tomatoes add a burst of juicy flavor to the dish. Look for fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
1 cup sliced cucumberCucumber adds a cool, refreshing flavor to the dish. Look for thin-skinned cucumbers for the best flavor.
1 cup sliced bell peppersBell peppers add a crunchy texture and a sweet, slightly smoky flavor to the dish. Look for fresh, ripe peppers for the best flavor.
8 oz (225g) mozzarella cheese, slicedMozzarella cheese adds a creamy, melty texture to the dish. Look for high-quality, fresh mozzarella for the best flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of the dish. Use high-quality salt and freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panFood processor or blenderInstant-read thermometerColander or strainerLarge serving bowlCutting boardChef's knife

How to Make Pesto Pasta Salad

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Process until the mixture is well combined and the basil is finely chopped.
3
With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top. Process until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4
Add the reserved pasta water to the pesto sauce and process until the sauce is well combined and has a creamy consistency.
5
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese.
6
Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta and vegetables, and toss to combine.
7
Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9
Just before serving, give the pasta salad a good toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.
10
Serve the pesto pasta salad chilled, garnished with additional basil leaves and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the pasta - it should still have a bit of bite to it.
Let the pasta salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Add some protein like grilled chicken or salmon to make the dish more substantial.
Use different types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, for a varied texture.
Add some heat to the dish with red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Make the pesto sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Use the pesto sauce as a dip for vegetables or crackers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough salt in the pasta water, which can result in a bland dish.
Not letting the pasta salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, which can prevent the flavors from melding.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as old basil or low-grade cheese, which can affect the flavor of the dish.
Not tossing the pasta salad well enough, which can result in a dish that's unevenly coated with sauce.
Not adjusting the seasoning before serving, which can result in a dish that's too salty or too bland.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some grilled chicken or salmon to make the dish more substantial.
Use different types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, for a varied texture.
Add some heat to the dish with red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Use the pesto sauce as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
Add some roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the dish for added freshness.

What to Serve With Pesto Pasta Salad

This pesto pasta salad is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer gathering. It's a great side dish or a light and satisfying main course. You can serve it with some crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Grilled chicken or salmon for a more substantial meal

A green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish

Some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying snack

A fruit salad or a fruit tart for a sweet and tangy dessert

Grilled chicken or salmonA green salad with a light vinaigretteSome crusty bread or crackersA fruit salad or a fruit tart

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This pesto pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To freeze the pasta salad, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Pour the pesto sauce over the top and toss to combine. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat the frozen pasta salad, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and then toss it with some additional pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overheat the dish.

Some other tips for storing and reheating this dish include:

Using a high-quality airtight container to prevent the dish from drying out

Labeling the container with the date and contents so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored

Reheating the dish slowly and gently to prevent it from becoming mushy or overcooked

Adding some fresh herbs or cheese to the dish before serving to give it a bright and refreshing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

A short, sturdy pasta shape, such as bow tie or penne, works well for this recipe. It's sturdy enough to hold its own against the creamy sauce, and it's easy to cook al dente.

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese in this recipe. Mozzarella, feta, and Parmesan are all good options. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well and has a mild flavor.

How long can I store this pasta salad in the fridge?

This pasta salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Can I freeze this pasta salad?

Yes, you can freeze this pasta salad. Simply combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Pour the pesto sauce over the top and toss to combine. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat frozen pasta salad?

To reheat frozen pasta salad, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and then toss it with some additional pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overheat the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the pesto sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. Then, cook the pasta and combine it with the sauce and vegetables just before serving.

What are some variations on this recipe?

Some variations on this recipe include adding grilled chicken or salmon, using different types of pasta, adding some heat with red pepper flakes, and using a different type of cheese. You can also add some roasted vegetables or chopped fresh herbs to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and being careful about cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe can be made vegan by using a vegan pesto sauce and replacing the mozzarella cheese with a vegan alternative. You can also add some roasted vegetables or chopped fresh herbs to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

The Full Recipe

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