Pesto Pasta Salad
This Pesto Pasta Salad is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for everything from summer cookouts to quick lunches during the week. It’s packed with tender rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny kalamata olives, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a rich pesto coating that ties everything together beautifully.
The pesto and olive oil create a simple dressing that’s light but still packed with flavor. Every bite has the perfect combination of salty olives, creamy cheese, fresh vegetables, and herby pesto goodness. It’s one of those recipes that feels effortless but always disappears fast whenever it’s served.
This pasta salad works perfectly as a side dish for grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, or seafood, but it’s also hearty enough to enjoy as a meal on its own. It’s especially great for meal prep because the flavors continue to develop as it chills in the refrigerator.
The rotini pasta is ideal for this recipe because all of the twists and curves hold onto the pesto dressing perfectly. The cherry tomatoes add sweetness and freshness while the cucumbers keep everything crisp and refreshing. Kalamata olives bring a bold salty flavor that balances the creamy mozzarella pearls beautifully.
This is the kind of recipe that feels bright, simple, and perfect for warmer weather while still being filling and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
2 large heaping spoonfuls pesto
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
2 pinches salt
Pinch of black pepper
1 jar kalamata olives, drained
3 to 4 mini cucumbers, sliced into half moons
1 container mozzarella pearls
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions
Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and allow the pasta to cool slightly.
Add the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Stir in the pesto and olive oil until the pasta is evenly coated.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Add the kalamata olives, cucumbers, mozzarella pearls, and cherry tomatoes.
Toss everything together until fully combined.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Tips
Add extra olive oil if the pasta absorbs too much dressing after chilling.
Fresh basil on top adds even more flavor and color.
Grilled chicken makes a great protein addition if you want to turn this into a full meal.
This pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Serving Ideas
Serve this pesto pasta salad alongside grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, steak, sandwiches, or seafood. It’s also perfect for potlucks, beach trips, picnics, and easy weekday lunches. The fresh vegetables and pesto flavors make it feel light and refreshing while still being hearty enough to keep everyone full.
