Salads > Layered Salads > Layered Grain Salads > Layered Pasta Salad with Pesto and Mozzarella Recipe

Layered Pasta Salad with Pesto and Mozzarella

A vibrant and flavorful layered pasta salad featuring fresh pesto, creamy mozzarella balls, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers. This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings
8
Ingredients
  • 1 pound Penne Pasta
  • 1 cup Fresh Pesto
  • 8 ounces, halved or quartered if large Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini)
  • 1 pint, halved Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1 medium, peeled, seeded, and diced Cucumber
  • ½ cup, pitted and sliced Black Olives
  • ¼ medium, thinly sliced Red Onion
  • ½ cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • ¼ cup, chopped, for garnish Fresh Basil Leaves
  • To taste Salt
  • To taste Black Pepper

Cooking the Pasta

Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

Preparing the Ingredients

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients. Halve or quarter the mozzarella balls if they are large. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Peel, seed, and dice the cucumber. Pit and slice the black olives. Thinly slice the red onion. Drain and chop the sun-dried tomatoes.

Layering the Salad

In a large glass bowl or trifle dish, layer the pasta, pesto, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, red onion, and sun-dried tomatoes. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chilling and Serving

Cover the layered pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: Approximately 180-230 kcal
Protein: 6-8g
Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Fat: 8-12g
Fiber: 2-3g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This salad is vegetarian. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. You can reduce the fat content by using low-fat mozzarella and less pesto.

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FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

    Yes, you can use other types of short pasta such as rotini, farfalle, or fusilli.
  • Can I add other vegetables?

    Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach.
  • How long does the salad last in the refrigerator?

    The salad will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.