Pesto Mozzarella Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

Who says healthy food has to be boring or bland? I’m here to tell you that the most vibrant and satisfying meals are often the simplest. This Pesto Mozzarella Easy Pasta Salad is my proof, much like the bright flavors in my Lemon Ricotta Pasta.

It’s a bowl full of joy that comes together in minutes. We’re talking about tender pasta, creamy cheese, and a herby sauce that tastes like summer. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel good from the inside out.

I make this recipe all season long. It’s perfect for a quick vegetarian dinner, a standout side dish, or a packed lunch that everyone will envy. Let’s make something delicious together.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Category: Salad / Main / Side
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 as a main, 6 as a side

Why This Dish is Secretly Good for You

This pasta salad is a nutritional powerhouse in disguise. Every ingredient brings something special to the table for your body and mind.

Fresh basil pesto is the star. Basil is rich in antioxidants and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. The olive oil and nuts in the pesto give us healthy fats that are great for heart and brain health.

Those little mozzarella pearls are a fantastic source of protein and calcium. They help keep you full and support strong bones. Using whole wheat penne pasta adds a boost of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps energy levels steady.

Don’t forget the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach! They pack in extra vitamins and a tangy sweetness. This dish truly proves that healthy eating can be incredibly exciting.

My Favorite “Healthy Swap” Ingredients

I love playing with ingredients to make a recipe even more nourishing. Here are my go-to swaps for this salad that you can try.

First, for the pesto. If you’re making your own, you can swap pine nuts for walnuts or almonds. They have similar healthy fats and are often more budget-friendly. It’s a simple change with a big flavor impact.

Recipe

Pesto Mozzarella Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

Make Pesto Mozzarella Easy Pasta Salad Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: Emily Morgan

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 25 min

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

The Full “Feel-Good” Ingredient List

• 12 oz (about 340g) penne pasta (regular or whole wheat)
• 1 cup prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz mozzarella pearls (or fresh mozzarella, cubed)
• 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and sliced)
• 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

My Clean & Simple Cooking Method

1

Start by cooking the penne pasta. Boil it in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until it’s al dente, which means it still has a slight bite.

2

While the pasta cooks, prepare your other ingredients. Drain the mozzarella pearls if needed, chop the spinach, and slice the sun-dried tomatoes. This is called “mise en place” and it makes cooking so smooth.

3

Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy and cools it down for the salad.

4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, basil pesto, and mozzarella pearls. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated in that beautiful green sauce.

5

Now, fold in the chopped baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and most of the toasted nuts. Save a few for a pretty garnish on top.

6

Taste your creation! Add a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper if you think it needs it. The pesto and cheese are already salty, so go easy.

7

Transfer your pasta salad to a serving bowl or into meal prep containers. Garnish with the remaining nuts, fresh basil leaves, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Pesto Mozzarella Easy Pasta Salad Recipe!

Nutrition Information

Calories: ~580

Protein: 22g (Great for staying full!)

Carbohydrates: 55g

Dietary Fiber: 5g

Healthy Fats: 30g (From olive oil, nuts, and cheese)

Calcium: Excellent source from the cheeses

Did You Make This?

Leave a review and tag us on social media!

For the pasta, using a whole wheat or legume-based penne is my top tip. It adds more protein and fiber than regular white pasta. The texture is still perfect for holding onto all that glorious pesto sauce, similar to the base in my hearty Spinach Mushroom Pasta.

The Full “Feel-Good” Ingredient List

Gathering these simple, whole ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal. Here’s everything you’ll need.

• 12 oz (about 340g) penne pasta (regular or whole wheat)
• 1 cup prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz mozzarella pearls (or fresh mozzarella, cubed)
• 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and sliced)
• 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

My Clean & Simple Cooking Method

This method is designed to be stress-free. Follow these steps for a perfect pasta salad every single time.

1. Start by cooking the penne pasta. Boil it in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until it’s al dente, which means it still has a slight bite.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare your other ingredients. Drain the mozzarella pearls if needed, chop the spinach, and slice the sun-dried tomatoes. This is called “mise en place” and it makes cooking so smooth.
3. Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy and cools it down for the salad.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, basil pesto, and mozzarella pearls. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated in that beautiful green sauce.
5. Now, fold in the chopped baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and most of the toasted nuts. Save a few for a pretty garnish on top.
6. Taste your creation! Add a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper if you think it needs it. The pesto and cheese are already salty, so go easy.
7. Transfer your pasta salad to a serving bowl or into meal prep containers. Garnish with the remaining nuts, fresh basil leaves, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

How to Meal Prep This for the Week

This salad is a meal prep dream. It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

To prep it, simply let the salad cool completely after mixing. Then, divide it into airtight containers. I like to use glass containers so I can see the colorful layers.

It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you notice it gets a little dry, just stir in an extra spoonful of pesto or a tiny drizzle of olive oil before serving. It’s that easy to refresh!

Nutrition Notes

This is a general breakdown per serving (as a main dish). Remember, it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients.

• Calories: ~580
• Protein: 22g (Great for staying full!)
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Healthy Fats: 30g (From olive oil, nuts, and cheese)
• Calcium: Excellent source from the cheeses

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this pasta salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, skip the mozzarella and Parmesan. You can add creamy white beans or chickpeas for protein. Use a vegan pesto, or make your own without cheese.

What other pasta shapes can I use?

Any short pasta with grooves or curves works well. Try fusilli, farfalle (bow-tie), or rotini. They’re all great at catching the pesto and little bits of cheese in every bite.

My pesto seems too thick. What should I do?

This is common, especially with chilled pesto. Before mixing, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. You can also thin it with a tablespoon of pasta water, olive oil, or even a squeeze of lemon juice.

I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your kitchen. It’s the perfect answer for those nights when you want something quick, nourishing, and absolutely packed with flavor, just like this easy Pesto Chicken.

Making healthy choices should feel like a gift to yourself, not a chore. This pasta salad is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together to create pure happiness in a bowl.

I hope you love how this delicious meal makes you feel! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know how it turned out for you!