Introduction: Why Pesto Pasta Salad?

There are few dishes as versatile and crowd-pleasing as a pasta salad. It’s fresh, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Among the many variations, pesto pasta salad stands out as a star—packed with flavor from basil, garlic, and olive oil, balanced with the creaminess of fresh mozzarella, and brightened with juicy vegetables.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday lunch, a picnic side dish, or a make-ahead meal prep option, this fresh salad recipe is a keeper. And the best part? You can easily switch ingredients to create versions like Smokey Mozzarella Pasta Salad or a refreshing Broccoli Burrata Pasta Salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the classic pesto pasta salad with mozzarella, gather:

12 oz (340 g) pasta (fusilli, rotini, or bow-tie)

1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup broccoli florets, lightly blanched

8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup pine nuts, toasted

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Pesto Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Blanch the broccoli – In the same pot, quickly blanch broccoli florets for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to ice water to preserve their vibrant color.

Prepare the mix – In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and mozzarella.

Add the pesto – Toss everything with basil pesto, olive oil, and toasted pine nuts.

Season and garnish – Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tip: Chill for 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to fully meld together.

Variations You’ll Love

Smokey Mozzarella Pasta Salad Add smoked mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella for a bold, rich flavor.Broccoli Burrata Pasta Salad Swap mozzarella with creamy burrata cheese and drizzle extra olive oil on top.Broccoli Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad Make it lighter by skipping pasta—just mix broccoli, tomatoes, and mozzarella with pesto dressing.Pregnancy-Friendly Pasta Salad Recipes Use pasteurized mozzarella, well-washed veggies, and whole-grain pasta for extra fiber.
Fresh Summer Salad Recipes Add zucchini, roasted red peppers, or arugula for a refreshing twist.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make pesto pasta salad ahead of time? Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely—use vegan pesto and swap mozzarella with marinated tofu cubes or vegan cheese.

Q3: What’s the best pasta for pesto pasta salad? Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne hold pesto and mix-ins best.

Conclusion

This pesto pasta salad with mozzarella is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. From fresh summer salad recipes to pregnancy-friendly pasta salad recipes, it’s a dish that adapts to your lifestyle. Whether you stick to the classic or try a variation like smokey mozzarella pasta salad or broccoli burrata pasta salad, you’ll always have a crowd-pleasing favorite at your table.