Pesto Pasta Salad

The Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of fresh flavors and satisfying textures. Al dente fusilli pasta is tossed with a rich pesto-mayo dressing, then combined with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tangy olives. It’s a refreshing dish that bursts with Italian-inspired goodness in every bite.

Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weekday lunch, this pasta salad is a simple yet impressive recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile, swap the veggies or protein to suit your taste. Whether served cold or at room temp, it’s sure to be a hit.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 250g fusilli pasta

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

• 1/3 cup black olives, sliced

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup homemade or store-bought pesto

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook fusilli pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool completely.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and red onion.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and pesto until smooth.

4. Pour the pesto mixture over the pasta and toss until evenly coated.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Salad: A Summer Classic with a Gourmet Twist

When summer rolls around and the weather warms up, the craving for light yet satisfying meals takes over. Gone are the days of heavy stews and baked casseroles in their place come fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and chilled pasta dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. Among these seasonal favorites, Pesto Pasta Salad stands out as an all-time classic that combines bold Italian flavors with creamy texture and refreshing ingredients.

This Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Salad isn’t just another pasta dish it’s a vibrant, herbaceous, and tangy delight that brings together all the hallmarks of a comforting yet elevated summer meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a backyard barbecue, a picnic at the park, a potluck dinner, or simply a weekday lunch, this salad fits seamlessly into any occasion.

Let’s explore why this pasta salad is a must-have in your summer meal rotation and what makes it so crave-worthy.

A Perfect Fusion: Tradition Meets Modern Taste

At its heart, this pasta salad is a celebration of classic Italian pesto, a sauce that has been cherished for centuries. Originating from Genoa in northern Italy, traditional pesto is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, all ground together into a bright green, aromatic paste. It’s rich yet refreshing, intense yet well-balanced.

In this modern spin, we blend classic pesto with a bit of mayonnaise to achieve a creamy, silky texture that coats the pasta beautifully. This tweak not only enhances the mouthfeel but also ensures that the pasta salad stays luscious and moist even after chilling. The creaminess tames the sharper edges of the pesto, making it more kid-friendly and appealing to those who prefer a mellower flavor profile.

Ingredient Breakdown: The Stars of the Dish

One of the best parts of this recipe is the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a distinct role in contributing flavor, texture, and nutritional value:

• Fusilli Pasta: The spiral shape of fusilli is perfect for catching and holding onto the creamy pesto sauce. You can substitute with rotini, penne, or even farfalle (bowtie pasta), but fusilli ensures every bite is saucy and satisfying.

• Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of juiciness and a hint of sweetness that contrasts the savory pesto. Look for ripe, red, or multicolored cherry tomatoes for added visual appeal.

• Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): Creamy, mild, and slightly tangy, these small cheese balls lend richness and make the salad more filling. Slice them in half for better integration throughout the dish.

• Black Olives: These provide a salty, umami punch that balances out the creamy and sweet components. Kalamata olives are a great alternative if you want something more robust.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness and crunch. If raw onion is too strong for your palate, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow them out.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A few leaves of fresh basil scattered on top reinforce the pesto flavor and add a lovely aroma and pop of color.

• Mayonnaise + Pesto Sauce: The creamy base is the glue that brings everything together. Store-bought pesto works well in a pinch, but homemade pesto can elevate the dish significantly. You can also use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to mayo.

Texture, Color, and Flavor Harmony

This salad is a masterclass in culinary balance. The interplay of textures from the al dente pasta and soft mozzarella to the crisp onions and juicy tomatoes makes every bite engaging. The flavor layers are equally compelling: herby and garlicky from the pesto, creamy from the mayo, sweet from the tomatoes, tangy from the cheese, and salty from the olives.

Even visually, it’s a stunner. The green of the pesto, red of the tomatoes, white of the mozzarella, and black of the olives come together to create a vibrant, eye-catching dish. Garnishing with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds the final flourish.

Customization Ideas: Make It Your Own

While the base recipe is a crowd-pleaser, one of the best things about this pasta salad is how customizable it is. You can tweak it endlessly based on what’s in season or your dietary needs.

Add Protein:

• Grilled chicken breast or shredded rotisserie chicken

• Sautéed shrimp or salmon

• Crispy bacon bits or prosciutto slices for a salty crunch

Make It Vegan:

• Use vegan pesto (without cheese)

• Substitute mayo with a plant-based version or use avocado for creaminess

• Replace mozzarella with dairy-free cheese

Add More Veggies:

• Blanched broccoli or green beans

• Roasted red peppers

• Artichoke hearts

• Corn kernels for a sweet pop

Spice It Up:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes

• Include a minced clove of garlic in the dressing

• Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for tang

Serving and Storage Tips

This salad is meant to be served chilled, making it ideal for meal prep or make-ahead gatherings. It can be made up to 24 hours in advance, and actually improves in flavor after a few hours in the fridge as the ingredients meld together.

Store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving. If it seems a little dry the next day, just mix in a spoonful of pesto or mayo to freshen it up.

When serving at a picnic or outdoor event, keep the salad cool by placing the serving bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice. Alternatively, serve in smaller bowls to avoid letting the entire batch sit out too long.

Pairing Suggestions: Build a Full Meal

Want to make your pesto pasta salad part of a complete meal? Here are some easy pairing ideas:

• Main Dish Pairings: Grilled chicken skewers, baked salmon, turkey sandwiches, or veggie burgers.

• Drinks: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a sparkling lemonade, or a chilled cucumber mint mocktail.

• Side Options: Garlic bread, caprese skewers, or a fresh fruit salad.

Conclusion

The Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish, it’s a summer staple that offers flexibility, flavor, and fuss-free preparation. Whether you’re serving it at a casual lunch or dressing it up for an elegant gathering, this recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion.

Its vibrant ingredients not only taste amazing but also look impressive on the table. With minimal cooking required and countless ways to customize it, this pasta salad truly deserves a permanent spot in your warm-weather menu rotation.

Try it once, and we guarantee you’ll be reaching for this recipe every time you need something quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to wow your guests.