PESTO PASTA SALAD: 7 Amazing Fresh Flavor Ideas
A fresh and herb-filled pasta salad featuring basil pesto, tender pasta, and crisp vegetables, perfect for gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
12 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup basil pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just tender, then drain and cool.
- Prepare vegetables by chopping tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with pesto and mix gently.
- Add vegetables and mozzarella, then toss to combine.
- Stir in olive oil and lemon juice for balance.
- Season with salt and pepper, then mix again.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Cool pasta fully before adding pesto for better flavor. Adjust consistency with olive oil if needed.