Description
This Pasta Salad with Pesto is a vibrant medley of fresh ingredients that transforms a simple pasta dish into a masterpiece. With juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and the robust flavors of pesto and fresh herbs, each bite is a celebration of Italian-inspired flavors.
Easy to make and incredibly versatile, this dish is ideal for summer picnics, family gatherings, or as a light meal for busy days. Whether served as a chilled salad or at room temperature, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 16 ounces grape tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup prepared pesto
- 1/3 cup fresh Italian parsley
- 8 ounces mini mozzarella pearls
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup red onion, chopped
- Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped grape tomatoes, prepared pesto, fresh Italian parsley, mini mozzarella pearls, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chopped red onion to the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Garnish the pasta salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or light meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes