Bright, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious, this Pesto Pasta Salad is the ultimate side dish for your next backyard barbecue, potluck, or weekday meal prep. While many pasta salads can dry out in the fridge, this recipe uses a brilliant trick: mixing a splash of mayonnaise directly into the basil pesto. This creates an ultra-smooth, velvety dressing that clings perfectly to every noodle without clumping. Tossed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and pockets of fresh mozzarella, it’s a refreshing bowl of sunshine that tastes even better the next day.