Quick & Easy Pesto Pasta Saladonly uses a few simple ingredients, and it tastes like summer in a bowl. You won’t be able to get enough!

Quick & Easy Pesto Pasta Salad in a white enamelware bowl with a black rim resting on a white napkin.

Looking for a super simple side dish to make all summer long? This super easy Pesto Pasta Salad is one of my all-time favorite quick and easy side dishes to serve all summer long.

This is the perfect addition to any meal. It’s great with a bit ofGrilled Fish, some seasonal fruit, and a loaf ofCrusty Bread.
If you need more inspiration,Simple Italian Pasta Salad,Creamy Taco Pasta SaladandClassic Tuna Pasta Saladare all great pasta salads to bring to a party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and delicious.
Great for a group.
Easy to transport.
Leftovers make a great lunch.

Recipe Ingredients

Pasta:Rigatoni or penne are both good options for this pesto salad.
Fresh mozzarella
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil
Pesto:Homemade is best in this recipe but you can usestore-bought pestoif you need to.
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Ingredients for the Quick & Easy Pesto Pasta Salad in a white enamelware bowl with a black rim resting on a white napkin.

How to Make Quick & Easy Pesto Pasta Salad

Step #1.Boil water and cook the pasta according to directions on the package.
Step #2.Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water.
Step #3.Put the pasta in a medium-sized bowl and add the mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Step #4.In a small separate bowl, combine the pesto and olive oil to form a dressing.
Step #5.Drizzle the pesto dressing over the pasta and other ingredients and toss to combine.
Step #6.Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve right away.

Recipe FAQs

Do I salt the water when boiling pasta?

Yes! The salty water adds flavor to the pasta. Add at least 1 tablespoon of salt per pound of pasta after the water is boiling and before you add the pasta.

How can you tell when pasta is cooked?

Taste it! If the noodle is soft but still a bit firm, it’s done.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead?

Yes. You could make it a few hours ahead, but note that the pasta will absorb the pesto dressing so I recommend reserving half of the dressing to add just before serving.

Expert Tips

If you can makefresh pestofor this recipe, I’d recommend it.But if you don’t have any, you can use ashelf-stable jarred pesto. I’ve used both with great success.
When it comes to themozzarella, the fresher the better.
To enjoy the leftovers the next day, add another spoonful of pesto and a drizzle of olive oilbefore eating them (because the pasta will absorb most of the dressing).