The Pesto Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, fresh, and filled with vibrant ingredients that bring both texture and flavor to every bite. The combo of tender rotini, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and soft mozzarella balls tossed in a basil pesto dressing is a surefire win.
Whether you’re looking to wow your guests at a summer BBQ or just need a no-fuss lunch option, this salad is a breeze to make. It’s also incredibly versatile, swap in your favorite pasta shape or add grilled chicken for a protein boost. It’s a refreshing, satisfying dish that belongs on your table any time of year.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz rotini pasta
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup mini mozzarella balls
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1/2 cup black olives, sliced
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, basil pesto, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, black olives, red onion, and Parmesan cheese.
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Pour the pesto mayo dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
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Sprinkle with chopped basil and give it a final toss.
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Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Fresh and Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad You’ll Want All Year Long
Pasta salads are a staple for summer gatherings, potlucks, and quick weekday meals. But this Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Salad stands out for its perfect balance of textures, creamy pesto dressing, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. It’s light yet satisfying, bursting with the freshness of basil and the creaminess of mozzarella, all tied together with al dente pasta. If you’re looking for a dish that is easy, crowd-pleasing, and beautiful on the plate, this is it.
Whether you’re planning a picnic at the park, preparing your weekly meal prep, or just need something delicious to feed a group without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe hits every mark. It’s not only easy to make, but incredibly versatile and customizable. Let’s dive into what makes this pasta salad so crave-worthy.
What Makes This Pesto Pasta Salad So Special?
Unlike traditional mayo-heavy pasta salads or oil-based versions that sometimes lack depth, this recipe strikes the perfect middle ground. A creamy pesto sauce made by combining mayonnaise with basil pesto gives the salad its luxurious texture without feeling too heavy. It clings beautifully to each piece of pasta, ensuring that every bite is flavorful.
The classic trio of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil gives this dish an unmistakable Italian flair. The tomatoes bring juiciness and a hint of sweetness, while the mozzarella balls (also known as bocconcini) offer a soft, milky richness. Add the briny pop of sliced black olives, the bite of red onion, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and you’ve got a dish that’s dynamic in both flavor and texture.
This pasta salad is equally good served warm, room temperature, or chilled, making it ideal for outdoor events and meal prep alike.
A Versatile Base with Endless Add-Ons
One of the best parts about this pesto pasta salad is how customizable it is. The base of pasta and creamy pesto dressing is like a blank canvas, you can change or add ingredients depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
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Protein Options: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a protein boost. These all pair wonderfully with pesto.
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Veggie Additions: Add roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, steamed green beans, arugula, or baby spinach.
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Crunch Factor: Toss in toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added texture and a nutty contrast.
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Make It Vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise and a dairy-free pesto, and replace mozzarella with plant-based cheese or marinated tofu cubes.
If you’re gluten-free, simply substitute the rotini for a gluten-free pasta of your choice. Chickpea pasta, lentil-based pasta, or brown rice pasta all work well.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Another perk of this dish is how well it holds up in the fridge. In fact, many people say it tastes even better the next day! The pasta continues to absorb the flavors of the pesto, and the ingredients meld together beautifully. Stored in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
It’s perfect for quick grab-and-go lunches, as a side dish for dinner, or even as a light main course. And because it can be made ahead of time, it’s a great option for busy households or hosts looking to prep before a big event.
The Secret Behind the Perfect Pesto Dressing
Let’s talk about the dressing. Traditional pesto is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. It’s vibrant, aromatic, and full of herbaceous flavor. In this recipe, we take it a step further by incorporating mayonnaise for a creamier texture and lemon juice for brightness.
The result is a balanced sauce that complements the other ingredients rather than overpowering them. It’s luscious without being heavy, with enough zing to cut through the richness of the cheese and mayo.
You can use homemade pesto if you have fresh basil on hand, but a good-quality store-bought pesto works just as well and saves time. Either way, make sure you taste and adjust the salt and acidity before mixing it into the salad.
Tips for Making the Best Pasta Salad
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is the way to go. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy once it absorbs the dressing.
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Rinse the Pasta: After boiling, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking together.
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Use a Variety of Colors: Bright ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red onions, and fresh basil not only add flavor but make the salad visually appealing.
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Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and improves the texture.
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Taste Before Serving: Sometimes the flavors mellow out after chilling, so a final seasoning check is always a good idea before serving.
Why This Dish Works for Every Occasion
This creamy pesto pasta salad isn’t just for summer. It’s great year-round and adaptable to just about any event or need. Hosting a dinner party? Serve it as a side alongside grilled meats or seafood. Need something quick for lunchboxes? Portion it into containers and enjoy all week. Planning a holiday buffet? This vibrant salad adds a fresh, green element that contrasts nicely with heavier dishes.
Its simplicity makes it ideal for beginner cooks, but the end result is impressive enough to serve to guests. With minimal cooking, short prep time, and easy-to-find ingredients, you can have a satisfying dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Healthier Than You Think
Although it includes mayonnaise and cheese, this pasta salad can still be part of a balanced diet. By using whole wheat pasta, adding extra veggies, or choosing a light mayo option, you can tailor it to suit your nutritional goals. Pesto also provides healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, and fresh basil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
So while it’s comforting and indulgent, it’s also made from wholesome, fresh ingredients that nourish the body.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings a touch of Italy to your table, this Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Salad checks all the boxes. It’s quick to make, highly adaptable, and filled with fresh, vibrant ingredients that make every bite satisfying. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, meal prep, or weeknight dinners, it’s a staple you’ll come back to time and time again.
Whether you stick to the original or make it your own with new additions, this pasta salad is a celebration of good food made easy. Serve it chilled, enjoy it warm, or have it on repeat in your meal rotation, either way, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite.