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First Courses

Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella

If you're tired of the usual pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, just add a couple of ingredients to create an easy and quick pasta dish that's perfect for summer, like this Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella.
Recipe Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella
  • Difficulty Easy
  • Preparation 5 minutes
  • Cooking 15 minutes
  • Servings for 4 servings

When hot weather and summer arrive, there’s nothing better than a fresh, quick, and light Pasta Salad to enjoy for lunch. If you’re tired of classic versions dressed with vegetable-based dressings, we suggest trying this Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella. Flavorful, aromatic, and refreshing, it’s perfect not only for picnics but also for office lunches.

To prepare this Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella, you simply need to cook the pasta, add plenty of Genovese Pesto (homemade or store-bought), halved Cherry Tomatoes, and Cherry-sized Mozzarella Balls (also known as “bocconcini” or “ciliegine”, available in most supermarket deli sections). That’s all you need to create an Easy and Quick First Course.

Among other Pasta Salad Recipes that differ from the classic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, we recommend trying the Light Pasta Salad, the Tuna Pasta Salad with Cucumbers and Corn, and the Cold Pasta with Salmon, Avocado, and Cherry Tomatoes.

Ingredients for 4 servings

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Method

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  1. To prepare the Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella, start by cooking the pasta in plenty of salted water according to the package instructions. It’s crucial to cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) to ensure the perfect pasta salad.
  2. Meanwhile, wash the cherry tomatoes, cut them in half, and place them in a colander. Season them with a pinch of salt. This step will help drain excess water from the tomatoes, preventing your final dish from becoming watery.
  3. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and transfer to a large salad bowl. Dress it with the pesto sauce, then add the drained mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) and the cherry tomatoes. Give it a quick toss and refrigerate for about two hours before serving. Finally, remember to download our App with exclusive content and fewer ads!
    Pasta Salad With Pesto Cherry Tomatoes And Mozzarella 1 1

Variations and Alternatives

To create a different version each time, you can not only replace the classic basil pesto with a more unique variation like Arugula Pesto (Pesto di Rucola), but also vary the cheese, choosing for example diced smoked scamorza or aged asiago cheese.

Tips

We recommend preparing the Cherry Tomato Pasta Salad well in advance to allow all the flavors to blend together perfectly.

Storage

The Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. We recommend bringing it back to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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