Pesto Pasta Salad

This pesto pasta salad is your go-to dish for a fresh, quick, and flavorful meal. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a bowl of perfectly cooked rotini pasta, tossed in a creamy basil pesto dressing. Full of color and fresh flavor, it’s a standout dish for a dinner party or family meal.

At Spaceships and Laser Beams, we provide easy-to-follow recipes you can master using clear, step-by-step instructions and practical tips. Even beginner cooks can confidently create this easy pesto pasta salad recipe. We ensure that every recipe is thoroughly tested and refined for the best results, so you can cook with confidence.

We’ve created dozens of 5-star pasta recipes you can whip up for your family. Our priority is to use simple ingredients and uncomplicated cooking techniques, so cooking is a pleasure, not a chore. Let’s dive into making this simple pesto pasta recipe, and you’ll be enjoying your tasty dish in minutes!

Pesto Pasta Salad Ingredients

You’ll love the fresh and vibrant ingredients in our vibrant red and green pesto pasta salad. It’s a bright and flavorful side dish, but it can also be a filling lunch or light dinner. 

This dish combines the bold flavors of basil pesto with the crispness of cherry tomatoes and the creaminess of mozzarella pearls. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes, ready to impress at any meal.

Pesto Salad Substitutions and Additions

Customizing your basil pesto pasta salad to fit your preferences or dietary needs is easy. Here are some suggestions to help you adapt the recipe.

Rotini Pasta: The best pasta variety for this salad is any short pasta, like fusilli, penne or bow-tie pasta. Spiral pasta works well as it holds onto the pesto dressing.

Basil Pesto: If you’re out of basil pesto, try using sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor. Store-bought pesto or homemade pesto sauce both work well. Classic pesto contains pine nuts, so be cautious of any tree nut allergies. Basil pesto is often tree nut free.

Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess without altering the flavor much.

Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are a great substitute. Choose any small, bite-sized tomatoes that are in season.

Mozzarella Pearls: If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, use fresh mozzarella ciliegine or bocconcini (mozzarella cheese balls). Just cut them into smaller pieces if needed. You can also substitute with goat cheese if you prefer.

Parmesan Cheese: Romano or Asiago cheese can be used instead of Parmesan for a slightly different taste.

Pine Nuts: Pine nuts may be a tree nut allergy risk. If necessary chopped walnuts or slivered almonds make good substitutes, adding a similar crunch.

Arugula: If arugula’s peppery flavor isn’t for you, try baby spinach or mixed greens for a milder taste.

Fresh Basil: If fresh basil isn’t available, a small amount of dried basil can be used, but fresh will always provide the best flavor and make this salad look authentic and colorful.

Lemon Zest: Zest a bit of fresh lemon zest over top of the salad for more color and a tangy taste.

How To Make This Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Creating a delicious pesto salad pasta recipe is straightforward and enjoyable. With a few simple steps, you can whip up a dish that’s perfect for any meal. Let’s dive into the detailed process to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

STEP ONE: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package directions, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to cook it al dente, so it has a firm bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming too soft. Set it aside to cool.

PRO TIP: While the pasta cooks, gather your ingredients. Having everything ready before you begin will make the process smoother. Measure out the pesto, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and rinse and dry the arugula and basil leaves. This way, everything is at your fingertips when you need it.

STEP THREE: In a large mixing bowl, combine the basil pesto, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until all the ingredients are well combined.

STEP FOUR: Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the pesto dressing. Toss gently to ensure each piece of pasta is evenly coated. This step is crucial for the pasta to absorb the flavors of the dressing.

STEP FIVE: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed and evenly distributed throughout the salad. This adds bursts of flavor and texture to every bite.

PRO TIP: ​Use a folding technique with a large wooden spoon, mix slowly to protect the pasta from breaking apart.

STEP SIX: Add the pine nuts to the mixture, stirring gently to mix them in.

STEP SEVEN: Just before serving, stir in the fresh arugula leaves and torn fresh basil. These greens add a peppery flavor and freshness to the salad. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

STEP EIGHT: For a final touch, garnish the salad with additional torn basil leaves to add a fresh and vibrant look to the salad.

Pasta Salad with Pesto Troubleshooting Tips

If you still find you have questions, these helpful tips from our recipe testers should help:

• For more flavor, salt the pasta water. Add enough salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Aim for the water to taste like the sea.
• Be careful not to overcook the pasta, or you will end up with a mushy pasta salad.
• Stirring the hot pasta after it’s drained can cause it to break, and it might soak up too much of the liquid from the pesto dressing. To cool the pasta quickly, drain, then spread it out on a baking sheet.
• If you’re not mixing the pasta with the dressing immediately, toss it with a bit of olive oil to keep it from clumping. You can store it in the fridge in a Ziploc bag to use in the next 24 hours. When ready to use it, give it a rinse under warm water, and carefully separate the pieces of pasta.
• For added flavor, you can toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly.
• If the dressing seems too thick, add a splash of water or extra lemon juice to thin it out to your desired consistency.
• Make sure to mix the pesto, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper thoroughly to avoid any clumps and to ensure every bit contains all the yummy flavors.
• For a refreshing salad, chill the mixing bowl in the refrigerator before combining the ingredients. This helps keep the salad cool.
• Fresh basil, arugula, and high-quality pesto make a significant difference in flavor. Choose the freshest ingredients you can find.
• Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes, an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the overall flavor.

How To Serve This Recipe for Pesto Pasta Salad

Now that your pesto and pasta salad is ready, let’s explore the best ways to serve and enjoy this versatile dish. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for a quick weekday meal, there are plenty of ways to make this dish shine.

Classic Serve: Serve your pesto pasta salad in a large bowl, garnished with fresh basil leaves. This makes it the perfect centerpiece for a summer barbecue or potluck. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or seafood, adding a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors.

As a Side Dish: This salad is an excellent side for many main courses. Serve it alongside kabobs or burgers as a light and fresh side dish. The fresh, zesty flavors of the salad complement the savory main dishes, creating a satisfying combination.

Lunch Option: Make it a complete lunch by adding a protein like chicken, shrimp, or even canned tuna along with warm garlic bread. The added protein turns this salad into a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a midday boost. 

Picnic or Potluck: Pack your pesto pasta salad in a portable container for a picnic or potluck. It’s easy to transport and can be served at room temperature, making it an ideal choice for outdoor dining.

Appetizer Cups: For a more elegant presentation, serve the salad in individual appetizer cups. This is a great idea for parties, where guests can easily grab a cup and enjoy without the need for utensils.

Take your cold pasta and pesto salad to a 4th of July picnic or Father’s Day BBQ. It’s ideal for just about any family gathering or holiday, and it tastes even better the next day, so use it for meal prep, too.

How To Store Cold Pesto Pasta Salad

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your pesto pasta recipe salad. Whether you’re making it ahead of time, storing leftovers in the fridge, or considering freezing options, here are some tips to keep your salad delicious.

MAKE AHEAD: Prepare all components, but keep the arugula and basil separate until just before serving to maintain their freshness. Store the pasta and pesto dressing for pasta salad mixture in an airtight container in the fridge, and mix in the greens right before serving.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store your pesto pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days. Keep in mind, if your salad has been mixed together, your basil and arugula may wilt a little.

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing pesto pasta salad is not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and fresh ingredients will not hold up well.

Why This Pesto Pasta Is The Best

This simple and creamy pasta salad was a favorite among our recipe testers for its flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Here’s why we’re sure you’ll love it, too:

Easy to Make: This might be the easiest pasta salad you can make with fresh ingredients and freshly made sauce. It comes together in minutes.

Fresh Ingredients: The mix of cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and arugula brings a vibrant burst of flavor to every bite.

Quick Preparation: It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Versatile: Whether it’s a side dish for a barbecue or a main course for lunch, this salad fits any meal plan.

Great for Leftovers: It stores well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it over a couple of days without compromising taste.

This pesto pasta salad is a quick and fresh dish that’s perfect for any meal, bringing vibrant flavors and easy preparation to your kitchen. Enjoy making and sharing this versatile recipe with family and friends!

Pasta Salad Recipes We Love

• BLT Pasta Salad
• Tuna Pasta Salad
• Caesar Pasta Salad
• Cowboy Pasta Salad
• Caprese Pasta Salad