Best 2 Tomato Mozzarella Pesto Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our tantalizing Tomato, Mozzarella, Pesto Pasta Salad, a culinary delight that combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes, the creamy richness of mozzarella cheese, the aromatic basil pesto, and the al dente texture of pasta. This vibrant salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. Dive into the medley of our curated recipes, ranging from a classic rendition to a sun-dried tomato pesto variation, a roasted red pepper pesto twist, and a vegan pesto alternative, each offering a unique taste experience. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

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TOMATO MOZZARELLA PESTO PASTA SALAD RECIPE - (4.3/5)

Tomato Mozzarella Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe - (4.3/5) image

Provided by I_love_cooking

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

PESTO SAUCE:
16 ounce uncooked penne pasta
1 cup pesto sauce (recipe follows)
1 cup boconccini (small fresh mozzarella balls marinated in olive oil)
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup fresh baby spinach
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
3 gloves garlic, peeled
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente. Rinse in cold water and drain. Toss cooked pasta with prepared pesto sauce. Cool pasta mixture. Divide fresh baby spinach on serving plates. Arrange pesto pasta mixture on top. Garnish with fresh mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes. Pesto sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, salt and half of olive oil. Process steadily until mixture turns into a grainy paste, while adding the rest of the olive oil in.

TOMATO, MOZZARELLA AND PESTO PASTA SALAD

Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto Pasta Salad image

I came up with this one day when trying to use up ingredients I already had. The pine nuts give the salad a great, nutty flavour and add a bit of crunch to the texture. Serves 4 as a side dish. Update: I have added some olive oil to the pasta salad to moisten it up a bit, based on a review.

Provided by Shuzbud

Categories European

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 cups dry pasta (penne, fusilli or bow-tie work best)
5 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
10 cherry tomatoes
4 tablespoons pesto sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons very finely grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts

Steps:

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package.
Meanwhile, cut the mozzarella into small cubes and quarter the cherry tomatoes.
When the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it in cold water until the pasta is cold. Drain it again.
Mix the pesto sauce, olive oil and parmesan in with the pasta.
In a large serving bowl, mix the pasta with the mozzarella and tomatoes.
Sprinkle the pine nuts over the top and serve.

Tips:

Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes. This will ensure that your salad has the best possible flavor.
Use high-quality mozzarella cheese. Fresh mozzarella will melt better and have a creamier texture than pre-shredded mozzarella.
Make your own pesto. It's easy to do and tastes much better than store-bought pesto.
Use a variety of pasta shapes. This will add visual interest to your salad.
Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
Toss the salad with the dressing while it's still warm. This will help the dressing absorb into the pasta and vegetables.
Serve the salad immediately. This is best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion:
This tomato mozzarella pesto pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer meal. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing meal, give this recipe a try!