This Easy Pesto Pasta Salad is a bright and yummy dish made with pasta, fresh veggies, and tasty pesto sauce. It’s colorful, quick to prepare, and perfect for warm days!
This salad is my go-to for picnics or potlucks! Toss in some cherry tomatoes and mozzarella for extra fun. Everyone loves it, and you’ll likely become the star of the gathering! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto the pesto, but any short pasta like penne or fusilli works too. If you’re gluten-free, try chickpea or quinoa pasta for a great texture.
Basil Pesto: You can use store-bought pesto for convenience, or make your own with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. If you need a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds instead!
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add brightness to the salad. If you can’t find them, diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes can work well as a substitute.
Fresh Mozzarella: These add creaminess. For a dairy-free version, substitute with avocado or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Red Onion: Red onions add a mild flavor and color. If you prefer something sweeter, use scallions or green onions instead.
How Do I Make the Pasta Perfectly Al Dente?
Cooking pasta just right is key to this salad. Al dente pasta is firm to the bite and won’t turn mushy when combined with the pesto. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Start by boiling salted water—it’s like giving the pasta seasoning from the beginning!
- Follow the package instructions but check the pasta a minute or two early. Taste it; it should have a slight chew.
- Once ready, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down, perfect for a salad.
Cooking it just right will keep the pasta from soaking up too much dressing and help maintain the salad’s freshness! Enjoy your pasta salad! 🍝
Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Time Estimate:
This Easy Pesto Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes of chill time in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. Altogether, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to enjoying this delicious dish!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that’s when it’s firm but not hard). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it quickly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. Mix with Pesto:
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss the cooled pasta with the basil pesto. Make sure all the pasta is well-coated and shiny with the pesto. This is where the magic starts!
3. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Next, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and finely diced red onion. Gently stir so everything is evenly mixed.
4. Drizzle and Season:
Drizzle the olive oil over your salad and give it another light mix. Then, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking—tasting as you go is always a great idea!
5. Chill Out:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chill time helps all the flavors come together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, you can garnish with fresh basil leaves if you’d like, then enjoy your colorful and flavorful Easy Pesto Pasta Salad. It’s delicious served cold or at room temperature!
Enjoy this fresh and vibrant pesto pasta salad that’s perfect for an easy lunch or a potluck dish!
FAQ for Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta such as chickpea or brown rice pasta works great in this salad. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package to achieve the perfect texture.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving again as the pesto might settle a bit.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Yes, feel free to customize this salad! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. For added protein, consider grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even sliced salami to make it heartier!
What Should I Do If the Salad Seems Dry?
If your salad feels dry after chilling, simply drizzle in a bit more olive oil or a splash of lemon juice before serving. This freshens it up and adds extra flavor!
