June 16, 2026
This is a light fresh tasting salad. I have used it for potlucks and dinners. It comes together quickly.
Gather ingredients
- 3 cups dry orecchiette pasta or other small pasta ( 4-1/2 cups cooked pasta)
- 1/3 cup pesto
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, more to taste
- 1-1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
- 1-1/2 cups small pearls fresh mozzarella
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves, finely shredded
Instructions
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta. Cook the pasta about 8 minutes.
Use a pasta that is a cup shape to allow the pesto dressing to be spread throughout the salad, sitting in the pasta.
- Drain pasta and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Mix pesto, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl.
- Note: You can add more balsamic vinegar, but it will start to change the color of the dressing, unless you are using white balsamic vinegar.
- Place pasta in a large bowl. Add pesto dressing. Toss to coat.
- Next, fold in tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls and fresh basil.
Finishing up
- Transfer to a serving dish.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Final thoughts
The salad is easy to make. Even Kids like it, although they may pick around the tomatoes!
Until next time!
Kelly