Tomato and Mozzarella Pesto Pasta Salad ๐ ๐ง is an EASY 15 minute recipe with tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and plenty of pesto. Itโs fresh, savory, and satisfying, with lots of texture and bold basil flavor in every bite. This pasta salad is great for easy meals with planned leftovers, parties, potlucks, or anytime you need to feed a crowd!
Easy Cold Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
- This pesto and mozzarella pasta salad is ready in 15 minutes, which is exactly the kind of recipe I want when I need something easy but still satisfying.
- It has that comfort food factor because pasta equals comfort, but the fresh cherry tomatoes and basil give it a bright, summery feel. The best of both worlds.
- This recipe makes a ton, so itโs great when you want planned leftovers for easy lunches or no-brainer dinners during the week. And if you donโt need that much, you can easily halve it.
- Serve it warm and fresh right away, or chill it and enjoy it later as a pasta salad. Either way, the leftovers keep really well, which makes this one extra practical.
Ingredients in Pesto Pasta Salad
- Bowtie pasta: This easy pasta salad is ready in 15 minutes and is great for parties, potlucks, planned leftovers, or easy lunches.
- Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese balls, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and fresh basil: These add the classic tomato-mozzarella flavor, plus freshness, creaminess, and a little savory bite.
- Homemade pesto : Homemade pesto has the best fresh basil flavor and only takes about 5 minutes to make, which is worth it here because pesto is a key ingredient. Store-bought pesto also works if you prefer; use your favorite prepared pesto.
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Pesto Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain it well.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella to the pasta.
- Toss everything with pesto, then add Parmesan cheese to taste.
- Serve right away or chill until youโre ready to eat.
Want to add more protein?
Tomato and Mozzarella Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 1 pound cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (use multi-colored tomatoes if you can find them)
- 8 ounce fresh mozzarella cheese balls, ciliegine, drained
- 8 ounces prepared or homemade pesto, or to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- fresh basil leaves, optional for garnishing
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add to a large bowl. Note – If you don’t want the mozzarella in step two to melt at all and want it to remain intact in balls, wait about 10 minutes for the pasta to cool a bit before proceeding.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, and stir to combine and coat evenly.
- Add the Parmesan, pepper, and stir to combine and coat evenly. Taste and if desired, add salt but I did not find it necessary.
- Optionally garnish with basil and serve immediately if desired or chill before serving.
Notes
- Pasta salad will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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More Pasta Salad Recipes:
ALL OF MY PASTA SALAD RECIPES!
Italian Chicken Pasta Salad – Easy, ready in 20 minutes, and showcases some of my favorite summer ingredients. Itโs perfect for summer potlucks and BBQs, or as a no-fuss family dinner!
BLT Pasta Salad โ EASY, ready in 15 minutes, feeds a crowd, and PERFECT for potlucks and parties. Creamy ranch dressing perfectly coats the pasta and BACON. Guaranteed family FAVORITE!
Club Sandwich Pasta Salad โ All your favorite club sandwich ingredients in an EASY pasta salad!! Turkey, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese with ranch! Ready in 15 minutes and perfect for potlucks, picnics, and parties!!
Mandarin Orange Chicken Pasta Salad โ EASY, ready in 30 minutes, and packed with Asian-inspired flavors!! Juicy sesame chicken, pasta, and lots of healthy vegetables! PERFECT for potlucks, picnics, parties, and planned leftovers!!
Chicken Orzo Salad โ Juicy chicken tossed with orzo, tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, and a super flavorful lemon vinaigrette! Easy, healthy, ready in 30 minutes, and a perfect way to use your garden fresh veggies!
Skinny Italian Chicken Pasta Salad โ EASY, ready in 30 minutes, feeds a crowd, and is on the SKINNY side!! Juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and the pasta are tossed in a light and tangy homemade Italian lemon vinaigrette!!
Taco Pasta Salad โ EASY, ready in 20 minutes, and loaded with great Mexican-inspired ingredients including corn, black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, and more!! Perfect for picnics, parties, and potlucks!!
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Canโt wait to try this recipe, I know my family will love it!
Canโt wait to try this recipe, I know my family will love it!