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Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Mozzarella Recipe

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4.1 from 89 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Mozzarella is a fresh and vibrant Italian-American dish featuring tender rotini pasta tossed with fragrant basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect light lunch or side dish for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures with a fresh basil garnish.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta

Dressing & Flavorings

  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables & Cheese

  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain and Rinse: Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, basil pesto, olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
  4. Toss Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta is evenly coated with pesto and the tomatoes and cheese are well distributed.
  5. Season: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
  6. Add Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbal finish.
  7. Chill: Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Add grilled chicken for a heartier meal, making it a protein-rich main course.
  • Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes for a deeper, richer flavor profile.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://kitchenmartha.com/pesto-pasta-salad-with-tomatoes-and-mozzarella-recipe/