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Irresistible Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

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A vibrant, flavorful summer salad—al dente pasta tossed in fresh basil pesto and studded with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and crunchy pine nuts; perfect for picnics, BBQs, or easy weeknight sides.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) pasta (e.g., rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)

1 cup basil pesto (store‑bought or homemade)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

¼ cup pine nuts, toasted

2 Tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional garnish: fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking; transfer to a large bowl.

While pasta is cooking, halve cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls; toast pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat until golden, about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently—remove from heat and cool.

Add basil pesto and olive oil to pasta; toss until evenly coated.

Fold in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and toasted pine nuts gently.

Season with salt and pepper to taste; toss again to combine.

Optional: garnish with fresh basil before serving. Can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes to meld flavors.

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes