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4 Ingredient Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 73 reviews

This refreshing 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for warm weather meals or potlucks. Featuring pasta tossed in vibrant basil pesto, complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella balls, this recipe comes together easily with minimal ingredients and effort. It can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature for a delightful, herbaceous pasta salad experience.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 oz (1 lb) pasta (rotini, farfalle, penne, or fusilli work best)

Salad Dressing

  • 2 cups prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh Ingredients

  • 1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (about 1 pint)
  • 1 cup small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine; drained if packed in water)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Avoid overcooking to ensure the pasta holds up well in the salad.
  2. Drain and cool: Drain the pasta using a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes to prevent the mozzarella from melting too much during mixing.
  3. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta and pour in 2 cups of basil pesto. Toss thoroughly until every noodle is evenly coated, allowing the pesto to cling nicely without adding extra oil.
  4. Add the fresh elements: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls, being careful not to break the cheese to maintain nice creamy bites in the salad.
  5. Taste and adjust: Sample the salad and adjust seasonings as needed, adding a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, or a splash of olive oil if the salad feels dry. For a brighter touch, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice.
  6. Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra basil leaves or a few whole cherry tomatoes for an attractive presentation.

Notes

  • Choose pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, penne, or fusilli that hold pesto well.
  • Use ripe, sweet cherry or grape tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Drain mozzarella balls well if packed in water to prevent excess moisture.
  • You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance; chilling helps flavors meld.
  • Add fresh lemon juice for brightness if desired.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste, as pesto brands vary in saltiness.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/4-ingredient-pasta-salad-recipe/