Pesto Pasta Salad

This Pesto Pasta Salad features tender fusilli pasta coated in a creamy basil pesto dressing and tossed with Kalamata olives, red onions, sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese. This salad can serve as a main course for a quick and light dinner or packed up and transported to an office potluck, holiday gathering or summer picnic.

Easy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta salads are a versatile dish that are suitable for serving for a variety of occasions and settings. Prepared basil pesto makes the perfect dressing for this Italian inspired dish. You can enjoy it warm, at room temperature or chilled if preferred, to allow the flavors to come together. The top is garnished simply with Parmesan cheese just before serving. You can enjoy this deliciously easy pesto pasta salad any time of year as a side dish or a light main course! How to make quick and easy Pesto Pasta Salad: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

• Fusilli – Cook pasta in salted water per the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
• Pesto – Add cooked pasta to a large bowl. Add pesto, mayonnaise and black pepper. Mix to combine then chill for 10 minutes.
• Mix-Ins – Once the pasta has cooled down add the tomatoes, olives, red onion and mozzarella, Mix to evenly distribute and coat with the pesto.
• Baby Spinach – Add spinach leaves to the bowl tossing to fully combine.
• Serve Warm or Chilled – Serve immediately or cover and chill then garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese.

How to Make the BEST Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

• Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Pesto Pasta Salad: One pound fusilli pasta, prepared basil pesto, mayonnaise, black pepper, shredded Parmesan cheese. cherry tomatoes, green olives or black olives, fresh mozzarella cheese and baby spinach
• Kitchen tools you’ll need: A large pot or pasta pot, large bowl, cheese grater, sharp knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.
• What is fusilli pasta? It’s basically rotini or corkscrew pasta. You can use any cylindrical pasta such as penne for this recipe. The advantage of fusilli is that the shape really grabs onto the pesto.
• Mayonnaise adds moisture to the pasta salad and doesn’t make the flavor taste “mayonnaisey”. It’s necessary, don’t skip it.
• This recipe uses a jar of pesto to keep the prep simple. It’s important to use a brand of prepared pesto that you already enjoy as it’s the dominant flavor in this recipe. If you’d like to make your own see my recipe for Spinach Basil Pine Nut Pesto here.
• Bocconcini, are also known as mozzarella balls or mozzarella pearls. There are many terrific brands, I used BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Pearls for this recipe.
• You could add diced bell pepper to the vegetables, if desired.
• There’s no such thing as too much cheese so it’s fine to add more to your liking.
• When do you serve pasta salad? Pasta salad can be a satisfying and convenient option for lunches, either at home, work, or school and light meals. It’s also great for meal prep because it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It pairs well as a side dish with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or pork. The flavors and textures of pasta salad complement the charred and savory profiles of grilled foods. Serve this pesto pasta at summer barbecues and outdoor parties.
• Store Pesto Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well prior to serving.

More Easy Pasta Recipes to Make

• My Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a fan favorite!
• Copycat Chili’s Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect example of a make ahead meal for busy days.
• Kicked-Up Cowboy Pasta Salad.
• Make your own Pasta e Fagioli at home.
• Chicken Parmesan Casserole is certain to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
• Pizza Pasta Salad features all of the same flavors on a supreme pizza.
• Homestyle Macaroni Salad is a classic summer side dish.
• Fresh Homemade Pasta from The Kitchn.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Pasta Pot
• Mixing Bowls
• Knife and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set