10 Delicious Variations of 5-Minute Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

This 5-minute pesto pasta salad is the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness. Tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes and a vibrant pesto sauce, it makes for a fantastic side dish or a quick lunch. Just cook your pasta, mix in the goodies, and you’re ready to dig in!

Pesto Pasta Salad With Cherry Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella

This pesto pasta salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The freshness of cherry tomatoes pairs beautifully with creamy mozzarella, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. With a vibrant basil pesto dressing, it’s incredibly easy to whip up and perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish at your next gathering.

Serving this salad chilled enhances its flavors, making it a great option for warm days. It’s not just simple; it’s also customizable! You can add grilled chicken or your favorite veggies to make it even heartier. Let’s get started with this tasty recipe!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta (your choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and pesto. Toss gently to mix.
3. Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the salad, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to combine.
4. Garnish: Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad With Juicy Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

This pesto pasta salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The fresh cherry tomatoes burst with juiciness, blending perfectly with the aromatic pesto and al dente pasta. The addition of basil adds a fragrant touch, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.

Not only is this dish simple to make, but it also comes together in just five minutes! It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or as a side dish at your next gathering. Enjoy the vibrant colors and inviting aroma as you prepare this easy, tasty salad!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (your choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool slightly.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and pesto. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
3. Season: Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. If desired, drizzle with olive oil for added richness.
4. Garnish: Serve the salad in bowls or a platter. Top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
5. Enjoy: This salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for later. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature!

Classic Pesto Pasta Salad With Cherry Tomatoes And Arugula

This Classic Pesto Pasta Salad is a quick and delightful dish perfect for any occasion. With the fresh taste of basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and peppery arugula, every bite is packed with flavor. It’s simple to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for a light lunch or a side dish at a gathering.

The combination of al dente pasta and vibrant ingredients creates a refreshing experience. Best of all, you can have it ready in just five minutes! Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a tasty treat.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta of your choice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups arugula
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pine nuts or walnuts for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and arugula.
3. Add Pesto: Stir in the basil pesto until everything is well coated.
4. Season: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Toss gently and serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing pasta salad.

Zesty Pesto Pasta Salad With Cherry Tomatoes And Crisp Cucumbers

This Zesty Pesto Pasta Salad is a quick and delicious option for any meal. With a vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, it brings a refreshing taste that’s perfect for warm days. The pesto adds a rich herbal flavor, making every bite satisfying and delightful.

Not only is this dish simple to whip up in just five minutes, but it also packs a nutritious punch. It’s great as a side or a light main dish, and you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies. Enjoy this bright and tasty pasta salad that’s sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber.
3. Add the Dressing: Pour the pesto and olive oil over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to combine.
4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
5. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil and serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for later.

Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad With Cherry Tomatoes & Kalamata Olives

This Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Bright, juicy cherry tomatoes and briny Kalamata olives come together with the fresh taste of basil pesto, creating a dish that’s bursting with summer vibes. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly simple to whip up, making it a great option for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

The combination of al dente pasta, fresh veggies, and rich pesto delivers a satisfying crunch and creamy texture in every bite. Whether served as a side or a main dish, this salad is sure to impress anyone at your table.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne works well)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh basil leaves.
3. Add the Pesto: Pour the basil pesto over the salad, followed by a drizzle of olive oil. Toss everything together until well combined.
4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary. If using, sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.
5. Serve: Enjoy your Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature.

Herbed Pesto Pasta Salad With Cherry Tomatoes And Feta Cheese

This herbed pesto pasta salad is a refreshing dish that brings together the bright flavors of cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and fragrant basil. It’s not just delicious, but also super easy to whip up, making it a perfect choice for a quick lunch or a side at your next gathering.

The combination of the pesto and fresh ingredients creates a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, it can be made in just five minutes, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (your choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour in the basil pesto and toss everything together until well coated.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, drizzle with olive oil for extra richness.
4. Garnish: Serve in a bowl and top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
5. Enjoy: Dig in and savor the delightful mix of flavors!

Refreshing Pesto Pasta Salad With Cherry Tomatoes And Roasted Red Peppers

This refreshing pesto pasta salad combines the flavors of fresh cherry tomatoes and roasted red peppers for a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The vibrant colors and tastes make it an appealing choice for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a great go-to recipe for busy days.

The zesty pesto ties everything together, adding a burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the smokiness of the peppers. It’s not just tasty, it’s also a feast for the eyes!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pesto, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well coated.
3. Chill: Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your refreshing pasta salad!

Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad With Cherry Tomatoes And Parmesan Shavings

This creamy pesto pasta salad is a delightful dish that brings together fresh flavors and satisfying textures in just five minutes. The combination of vibrant cherry tomatoes and rich pesto creates a refreshing yet indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy consistency and the addition of Parmesan shavings, you’ll find that each bite is packed with flavor.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. You can whip it up quickly, making it great for a last-minute lunch or a side for dinner. The creamy pesto sauce coats the pasta beautifully, while the cherry tomatoes add a burst of juiciness and color. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta of your choice (spaghetti or fusilli work well)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, pesto, and heavy cream. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
3. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment!

Light Pesto Pasta Salad With Cherry Tomatoes And Spinach

This Light Pesto Pasta Salad is a quick and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor. Perfect for a busy day, it combines tender pasta with ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, all tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce. The result is a satisfying meal that’s both bright and healthy.

The balance of flavors makes this salad a delightful choice for lunch or dinner. It’s simple to whip up, taking only about five minutes to prepare, making it an ideal option for those warm days when you want something light yet filling.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (your choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
3. Add the pesto and toss until everything is well coated.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
5. If desired, drizzle with a little olive oil before serving.

Rustic Pesto Pasta Salad With Cherry Tomatoes And Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This Rustic Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of flavors that will brighten up any meal. The fresh cherry tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a rich depth that complements the vibrant pesto. Simple to whip up, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner with friends.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. It’s a wonderful way to use up summer tomatoes, and the flavors only get better as they mingle. Toss it all together, and you have a beautiful, rustic salad that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool slightly.
2. Toss Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and gently toss again.
4. Serve: Enjoy immediately or let it chill for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.