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Easy Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Fresh fusilli pasta tossed with homemade pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls - perfect for summer gatherings and meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 1 pound fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 0.5 cup pesto homemade or store-bought
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 0.25 cup pine nuts toasted
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves torn
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook fusilli according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water until completely cooled.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with pesto, starting with half the amount and adding more as needed to coat evenly.
  4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls, folding gently to avoid breaking the cheese.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, add minced garlic, and toss gently to combine.
  6. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Add toasted pine nuts and torn basil leaves, giving one final gentle toss.
  8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and finish with fresh lemon juice.
  9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  10. Before serving, let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

This salad tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days.