Easy Tomato and Mozzarella Pesto Pasta Salad – Fresh, Creamy Italian-Inspired Side
This pesto pasta salad features tender bowtie pasta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella coated in Parmesan cheese and delicious pesto sauce. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for parties, meal prep, or a quick side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 1 pound cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls (ciliegine), drained
- 8 ounces prepared or homemade pesto (or to taste)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Let cool about 10 minutes if you want to prevent mozzarella from melting.
- Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto. Stir to coat evenly.
- Add Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Mix well. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- Store airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Let pasta cool slightly before mixing for firmer mozzarella texture.
- Adjust pesto quantity based on taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 241
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 404 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg