Go Back
The foundation of any great pasta salad lies in its ingredients. For our Zesty Basil Pesto Pasta Salad, we will focus on the following core components:

Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

Celebrate the flavors of summer with Zesty Basil Pesto Pasta Salad, a refreshing dish perfect for any gathering. This vibrant salad features the aromatic essence of fresh basil, nutty pine nuts, and creamy mozzarella, making it a delightful choice for picnics or light meals. The article provides a detailed guide on selecting quality ingredients, mastering pesto preparation, and achieving the perfect pasta texture. Enjoy a dish that’s both delicious and easy to customize, elevating your culinary repertoire with every bite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) pasta (fusilli or penne works best)

1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed

1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts, for a twist)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mozzarella balls, halved or whole (bocconcini)

1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced (optional)

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

    Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, black olives (if using), red onion, and red pepper flakes.

        Dress the Salad: Pour the basil pesto over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Squeeze the lemon juice over the salad for an added zing.

          Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!

            Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6