If you’re looking for the perfect dish to brighten your festive table, this Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s bursting with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and the creamy aroma of basil pesto that ties everything together so beautifully. Imagine tender pasta perfectly coated with flavorful pesto, joined by juicy cherry tomatoes, silky mozzarella, briny olives, and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts—each bite is like a holiday party in your mouth. Whether you need a festive side dish for a family gathering or a dish to impress your friends, this recipe hits all the right notes and brings a splash of joyful, delicious charm to your holiday spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each brings something special to the table. Every element adds a unique taste, texture, or pop of color that comes together into a harmonious pasta salad that feels both fresh and indulgent.
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta: The perfect shapes to catch the pesto and hold the other ingredients in every bite.
- 1 cup basil pesto: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade; it’s the star flavor that makes this salad shine.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved: Creamy and soft, balancing the acidity from the tomatoes.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives: Brings a salty, slightly tangy depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves: Fresh herbs always brighten and amplify the pesto’s presence.
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty aroma that feels like a holiday treat.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper for extra color: A sweet crunch that makes the salad even more festive.
How to Make Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente according to the package directions. This ensures it holds up nicely when tossed with the pesto instead of becoming mushy. After draining, give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta down, perfect for a salad.
Step 2: Toss with Basil Pesto
Place your cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl and dollop on that fresh, fragrant basil pesto. Toss gently but thoroughly until every piece of pasta is deliciously coated. This step is where the magic happens — the basil pesto infuses the pasta with bold, fresh flavor that sets the tone for the whole salad.
Step 3: Add Fresh Ingredients
Next, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, sliced black olives, and chopped basil. If you want to brighten things up even more, add the optional diced red bell pepper. This combination of ingredients creates a colorful, lively salad bursting with contrasting textures and flavors.
Step 4: Season and Mix
Season your salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Gently mix everything again to make sure the seasoning is distributed evenly. This balancing act pulls all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Add Crunchy Pine Nuts
Before serving, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for a subtle crunch and nutty aroma that takes this Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe to a new level of deliciousness. Toasting them brings out their best flavor, so don’t skip this simple touch if you can.
Step 6: Chill to Meld the Flavors
Transfer your salad to the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time lets all those vibrant flavors mingle and intensify, making each bite more harmonious and satisfying. Trust me, the wait is totally worth it.
How to Serve Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, consider a few basil leaves on top or a light drizzle of olive oil right before serving. These simple garnishes add visual appeal and fresh aroma that elevates this salad’s festive charm even more.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or roasted turkey, making it a versatile companion for your holiday feast. It’s also delightful alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe in clear glass bowls or decorative holiday-themed dishes to showcase its colorful ingredients. You could also present it in individual mason jars for a charming, portable option at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta salad keeps very well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, but it’s best enjoyed within a couple of days for the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
Because of the fresh ingredients and cheese, freezing this salad isn’t recommended as it can alter the texture and taste of the mozzarella and produce. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If preferred, take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature, which brings out the flavors even better.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini and bowtie pasta work great for holding the pesto, other shapes like penne or fusilli can be used as well. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?
Homemade pesto can add a fresh, vibrant flavor if you have the time, but good-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly and saves time without sacrificing taste for this salad.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but for a vegan version, you can substitute the mozzarella balls with vegan cheese or omit them altogether and add extra veggies or nuts for richness.
What’s the best way to toast pine nuts?
Simply toss pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden and fragrant. Be careful, as they can burn quickly.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a holiday party?
Definitely! The Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe actually benefits from resting a bit in the fridge to let the flavors meld. Just wait to add pine nuts until right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe has become such a staple in my celebrations because it looks festive, tastes incredible, and comes together with surprising ease. I encourage you to give it a try and see how it brings a fresh, flavorful twist to your holiday table. Once you taste those herby pesto notes mingling with the colorful veggies and creamy mozzarella, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved favorite year after year.
Print
Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and flavorful Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad featuring al dente rotini pasta coated in vibrant basil pesto, mixed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, savory black olives, and fresh basil. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, making it a perfect festive side dish ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
Dressing and Mix-ins
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper for extra color
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process, ensuring it remains firm.
- Mix Pasta with Pesto: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with basil pesto until every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, sliced black olives, chopped fresh basil, and the diced red bell pepper if you choose to use it to the bowl with the pasta and pesto.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently mix all the ingredients together, being careful not to break the mozzarella balls, creating a vibrant and colorful salad.
- Season and Garnish: Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste. Before serving, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top to add a crunchy texture.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the taste and refreshing the dish.
Notes
- To toast pine nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time and chilled to deepen the flavors.
- Add diced red bell pepper for extra sweetness and color, or leave it out if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
