She Strengthens

Summer Pasta Salad Perfection

Beat the Heat with a Refreshing Twist

As the temperature rises, our taste buds crave something light, fresh, and satisfying. This summer pasta salad recipe is the perfect answer, combining the classic flavors of pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a refreshing and easy-to-make dish.

Prepare Ahead for a Stress-Free Summer

Before you start, take a few minutes to prepare our homemade Easy Basil Pesto recipe. This will ensure that your salad is bursting with flavor and freshness. With a total preparation time of 50 minutes and an active cooking time of just 20 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Gather Your Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 pound small pasta shapes (such as cavatelli, conchiglie, or penne)
• 1 heaping cup basil pesto
• 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes (about 1 1/2 dry pints)
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella bocconcini, cut into bite-sized pieces if large
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• Freshly grated Parmesan for serving

Let’s Get Cooking!

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, or according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and rinse well under cold water. Transfer the cooked pasta to a large serving bowl.

The Final Touches

Add the cherry tomatoes and pesto to the pasta, stirring and tossing to combine. If needed, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to thin the pesto and ensure an even coating. Next, add the mozzarella bocconcini and olive oil, tossing gently to combine. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Serve and Enjoy!

This summer pasta salad is best served immediately, so gather your friends and family around the table and indulge in the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Pair it with our homemade lemonade recipe for a truly unforgettable summer experience.