Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Mozzarella for Easy Summer Meals
A fresh and flavorful pesto pasta salad with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, perfect for quick meals or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
1 cup basil pesto
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sliced red onion (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cool water, then let it drain well.
- Transfer pasta to a large bowl and toss with pesto and olive oil.
- Add tomatoes and mozzarella, gently mixing.
- Stir in Parmesan, onion, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss until evenly combined.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor. Add extra pesto before serving if the pasta absorbs too much dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.