Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad pairs tender pasta with a flavorful sauce or filling for a satisfying main dish.
About This Recipe
Pesto Pasta Salad works best when the pasta and sauce finish together.
Save a little cooking water or sauce to loosen the texture before serving.
Ingredients
- ✓8 ounces farfalle pasta (, whole wheat or white)
- ✓3/4 cup basil pesto (, homemade or store bought)
- ✓2 mini cucumbers (, sliced)
- ✓3 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (, cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
- ✓1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Cook until just tender so it holds sauce.
- Sauce: Keep sauce loose enough to coat every piece.
- Cheese or seasoning: Add gradually and taste before serving.
- Reserved liquid: A splash of pasta water can help the sauce turn glossy.
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- 2
Add pasta to a large bowl and stir in pesto.
- 3
Add tomatoes, cucumber and fresh mozzarella cubes and toss to combine. Top with parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh cracked pepper, if desired.
Katy’s Kitchen Tips
- Salt the pasta water.
- Cook pasta just until tender.
- Reserve some cooking water.
- Toss pasta and sauce together before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein add-in: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu.
- Extra crunch: Add nuts, seeds, croutons, or crisp vegetables.
- Cheese option: Use feta, goat cheese, Parmesan, or blue cheese.
- Dressing swap: Use vinaigrette, creamy dressing, or lemony yogurt sauce.
What to Serve With Pesto Pasta Salad
Serve Pesto Pasta Salad with garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or extra grated cheese.
Storage and Reheating
Store undressed components separately for the best crunch.
Refrigerate dressed leftovers airtight and eat them as soon as possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooked pasta: Soft pasta can break and feel heavy.
- Dry sauce: Keep a little water or sauce to loosen the dish.
- Rinsing pasta: Rinsing removes starch that helps sauce cling.
- Serving too late: Pasta thickens as it sits.
FAQ
Can I make Pesto Pasta Salad ahead?
Yes. Reheat with a little extra liquid or sauce if needed.
How do I avoid mushy texture?
Stop cooking when just tender and let carryover heat finish the job.
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Yes, as long as extra moisture is controlled.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat covered with a splash of liquid to restore moisture.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Sodium: 1005 mg
- Sugar: 7 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g