Pesto Pasta Salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella, and a flavorful basil pesto is easy to make and always a hit!
Pesto Pasta Salad Is…
- A Summer Must-Try: This Pesto Pasta Salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or quick meals.
- Bursting With Flavor: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella with an incredible pesto dressing.
- Easy & Quick: Ready in 30 minutes or less with minimal hands-on time.
Let’s Talk Pesto
Use high-quality or homemade pesto for a flavorful salad; try my Pesto Recipe or buy fresh basil pesto like Rana’s® Basil Pesto from the grocery’s refrigerated section.
What To Do With Leftover Pesto
Fresh pesto adds flavor to many dishes and keeps well in the fridge for multiple meals. Beyond pasta, use it in sandwiches, pizzas, soups, and favorites like;
Pesto Pasta Salad Dressing Ingredients
- Fresh Pesto: Fresh is key, you can buy fresh at stores or make it.
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat preferred for flavor; light/fat-free will work.
- Sour Cream: Light/fat-free versions work too.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tons of flavor; don’t use yellow mustard.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness and balance.
Pesto Pasta Salad Ingredients
- Rotini Pasta: Use high-quality pasta, cook al dente.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm, bright red.
- Cucumbers: Grab English/Persian for crispness and no peeling needed.
- Mozzarella Pearls: Use fresh, bite-sized for creaminess; or cube block mozzarella.
- Fresh Basil: Tear by hand, add very last to keep fresh.
How To Make Pesto Pasta Salad (Tips)
- Cook Pasta: Follow package instructions to cook al dente.
- Salt Pasta Water: Salt cooking water for flavorful pasta from the inside out.
- Cool Pasta First: Refrigerate pasta until cool to keep veggies crisp and prevent dressing becoming oily.
- Choose Quality Pesto: Good pesto makes all the difference.
- Season to Taste: Adjust with salt, pepper, lemon juice, or honey as needed.
What To Serve With Pesto Pasta Salad
- Grilled Chicken: Goes well with pesto salad; try with Italian Chicken Marinade.
- Grilled Steak: Grilled Flank Steak pairs perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a crispy, garlicky touch.
- Fresh Fruit: Light, refreshing side; consider strawberries, watermelon, grapes, or try our Fruit Salad Recipe or Tropical Fruit Salad.
More Pasta Salad Recipes:
- Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Taco Pasta Salad
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad is a crowd favorite! Rotini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella tossed in a vibrant basil-pesto dressing. Easy, fresh, and totally delicious!
Equipment
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup fresh basil-pesto see note 2
- 1/4 cup mayo full-fat
- 3 tablespoons sour cream light is great
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water (12 cups) to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and return to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it. Toss it a few times as it cools, then put it in the fridge to finish cooling.
- Meanwhile, combine the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl. Season to taste; I add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper, but it will depend on how salty your pesto is!
- Once pasta is completely cooled, add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella pearls to the bowl. Use a spatula to scrape every bit of dressing on top, then gently stir to combine. If desired, rip some basil leaves and stir them through. Taste the salad and adjust the flavors as needed, adding extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Enjoy the pasta salad on the same day it’s made, but it will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Toss well before serving.
Video
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Rotini Pasta is ideal for salads due to its shape; high-quality brands like Barilla recommended.
Note 2: Use high-quality Pesto for best flavor; I love this homemade pesto recipe, or save time with store-bought, fresh basil pesto like Rana’s® Basil Pesto, found near refrigerated pasta and cheese.
Storage: This dish lasts up to 3 days in the fridge, though it is best enjoyed the same day it is made.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 370mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 813IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this with Farfalle pasta and of course everything I make of yours is amazing ! Love the crunch of the cucumber!
You made my day! I am so thrilled to hear you loved this Pesto Pasta Salad! Thanks Victoria! 🙂
This was sooo yummy! Bright and refreshing flavor. I enjoyed it for summer picnic lunches. Thanks!
Yay! So happy you’re enjoying! Thanks Demi!
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use vegan cheese / mayo and coconut cream i love pesto sooooooooooooo much i never had pesto pasta salad before perfect for my after office meals love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Delish! I hope you enjoy! Thanks Ramya! 🙂