Pasta Salad: The best recipe

Creamy, colorful, and bursting with Mediterranean flair, this pasta salad is the kind of dish that just tastes like summer. With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy punch of olives and pesto, it brings together all the best textures and flavors in one super satisfying bowl. Whether you’re heading to a sunny picnic or firing up the grill for a weekend BBQ, this salad fits right in—and disappears fast! The best part? It’s quick, easy, and so adaptable to whatever you have in the fridge. If you’ve tried our Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake, you’ll love how simple and crowd-pleasing this one is too. Let’s dive into why this chilled pasta delight should be your go-to for every warm weather gathering!

What is Pasta Salad?

Pasta salad—such a simple name for something so ridiculously tasty. Is it a salad? Is it a pasta dish? Honestly, it’s the best of both worlds. This classic cold dish typically brings cooked pasta together with vibrant veggies, tangy dressings, and fun mix-ins like cheese, olives, or herbs. Why is it called “pasta salad,” anyway? Maybe because “refrigerated bowl of happiness” didn’t catch on. It’s the kind of dish that proves the old saying true: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Ready to impress your crew (or just treat yourself)? This is the recipe to try!

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this fresh and easy pasta salad, but let’s start with the big three:

1. Fresh Flavor Explosion:
This isn’t your average deli counter pasta salad. Thanks to ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, briny green olives, and a garlic-and-pesto infusion, every bite is packed with bold, vibrant flavor.

2. Budget-Friendly Goodness:
Forget the store-bought tubs. Making this at home costs less and gives you fresher, better ingredients. Plus, it’s easy to prep in bulk, making it ideal for potlucks or meal prepping.

3. Customizable & Crave-Worthy Toppings:
The mozzarella brings creamy richness, the olives add a salty pop, and the oregano and pesto take the flavor to the next level. You can also add grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even switch up the cheese if you like!

Already a fan of our Pesto Zoodle Bowl? Then this pasta salad’s herby goodness will be right up your alley. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your warm-weather rotation.

How to Make Pasta Salad at Home

Quick Overview

Making this pasta salad is as easy as boil, chop, mix, and enjoy! It comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers big on both taste and texture. From the garlic-infused tomato base to the creamy chunks of cheese and that final drizzle of olive oil and pesto, it’s the kind of no-stress dish that tastes like you put in way more effort than you did.

Ingredients:

• 400g pasta (short shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle work best)

• 250g buffalo mozzarella or cow’s milk mozzarella

• 6 ripe tomatoes

• 2 handfuls of green olives

• 4 teaspoons olive oil

• 4 teaspoons dried oregano

• 4 teaspoons pesto (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 garlic clove

• Salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Dice the tomatoes into small cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt to start drawing out their natural juices.

Step 2: Add olive oil over the tomatoes and give it a light mix.

Step 3: Cut the garlic into large chunks—this allows the flavor to infuse without overpowering. Prefer a stronger kick? Mince it and leave it in!

Step 4: Sprinkle in the oregano, and stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Slice the green olives and toss them in with the tomatoes.

Step 6: Slice and cube the mozzarella. Let it rest on a plate to release excess moisture.

Step 7: Add the pesto to your tomato mixture and mix everything well.

Step 8: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 9: Drain the pasta and immediately toss it—while still warm—into the bowl with the tomato mixture. This helps soak up all those juicy flavors.

Step 10: Finally, add the mozzarella cubes and give everything a good, gentle mix. Let it rest a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve chilled or at room temperature—either way, it’s a win.

What to Serve Pasta Salad With

This pasta salad is a flexible team player when it comes to mealtime. Here are a few tasty pairings:

• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Add protein for a more complete meal.

• Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Perfect for scooping up those extra juices.

• Fresh Lemonade or Iced Tea: A cool, refreshing drink balances the flavors.

• Grilled Veggies or Corn on the Cob: For an even more veggie-packed plate.

Top Tips for Perfecting Pasta Salad

• Choose the Right Pasta: Go for short pasta shapes that hold sauce and ingredients well. Avoid overly soft types that can fall apart.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly underdone is better than mushy—remember, it continues to absorb liquid after mixing.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since it’s such a simple recipe, fresh tomatoes, good olive oil, and real mozzarella make a huge difference.

• Chill Before Serving: A short rest in the fridge brings all the flavors together beautifully.

• Customize Freely: Add cucumbers, red onions, or bell peppers for crunch—or a touch of balsamic glaze for sweetness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This pasta salad stores beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended due to the fresh mozzarella and tomato content—they don’t thaw well.

• Reheating: Best served cold or at room temp. If you must warm it slightly, do so gently and avoid melting the cheese.

Give it a stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing and juices.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Try feta, goat cheese, or even grilled halloumi for a different twist.

What kind of pesto works best?
Basil pesto is classic, but sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto work great too.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—make it a few hours ahead and chill. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
Totally! Just make sure your pesto doesn’t include Parmesan with animal rennet if you’re strict.

What other veggies can I add?
Bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and arugula are all fantastic mix-ins.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the perfect summer side—or a light main dish that brings both comfort and color to the table—this easy pasta salad is it. With fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a prep time that won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Plus, it pairs beautifully with all your favorite grilled foods and picnics. Bookmark this one—you’re going to want it on repeat!