Vibrant and herby Pesto Pasta Salad! Made with mini bowtie pasta, sweet grape tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, peppery baby arugula, bright lemon, and plenty of fresh homemade basil pesto. It’s one of the best summery pasta salads!

Pasta Salad with Pesto

Traditional pasta salad is delicious but I think it’s safe to say this pasta salad with upgraded Italian flavors is even better!

It doesn’t require an overload of ingredients to really build up flavor, just a generous bowlful of fresh, highly scented basil and some good olive oil.

This pasta salad is easy to make, the pesto is even made in the food processor for a shortcut and the fresh mozzarella already comes pre-cut into tiny pearls.

And you’ll love that this pairs well with so many summery grilled meats. I like to serve it with grilled chicken or steak and grilled corn on the cob.

It’s adaptable to use other types of pasta and it will actually store well in the fridge for a day (or more if you wait to add the arugula).

Add this one to the dinner menu this week and save any extra for lunch the next day!

View the Recipe