If you love the flavours of a classic charcuterie board but want something  fresh tasting, vibrant, and easy to throw together, this charcuterie pesto pasta salad is the perfect recipe. This easy recipe is packed with salty cured meats, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and rich basil pesto, this pasta salad brings together everything people love about antipasti platters in one bowl.
Charcuterie-inspired pasta salads have become increasingly popular because they combine the flavours of a grazing board with the convenience of an easy pasta dish. This charcuterie pesto pasta salad takes inspiration from classic Italian antipasti platters, pairing cured meats, mozzarella, tomatoes, and pesto into one vibrant recipe. It is perfect for warm weather gatherings, quick lunches, meal prep, or sharing at picnics and BBQs. The crispy prosciutto topping adds texture and makes the dish feel extra special.
This delicious pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer! If you like this recipe, try my hot honey halloumi caesar pasta salad.
Ingredients
Pasta - Pasta forms the base of this charcuterie pesto pasta salad and soaks up all the flavour from the pesto and cured meats. I like using short pasta shapes because they hold onto the sauce well and make the salad easier to eat.
Salami - Salami adds a rich, savoury flavour and gives the charcuterie pesto pasta salad that authentic deli-style taste. I love using salami because it brings a slightly smoky and garlicky depth to every bite.
Chorizo - Chorizo adds spice, warmth, and a deeper smoky flavour. It helps make this charcuterie pesto pasta salad feel bold and packed with flavour rather than just a simple pasta salad.
Prosciutto - Prosciutto brings a delicate salty flavour and crisps up beautifully for the topping. I especially love using crispy prosciutto because it adds crunch and makes the charcuterie pesto pasta salad feel restaurant-worthy with very little effort.
Mixed Tomatoes - Mixed colour tomatoes add freshness, sweetness, and acidity which balance the richness of the meats and cheese. They also make the charcuterie pesto pasta salad look bright and vibrant.
Mozzarella - Mozzarella adds creaminess and soft texture throughout the pasta salad. It helps mellow the saltiness of the cured meats while giving the dish a classic Italian-inspired feel.
Pesto - Vibrant pesto is what brings this charcuterie pesto pasta salad together. The basil, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil coat the pasta beautifully and add a fresh herby flavour. I love using jarred pesto sauce because it instantly makes simple ingredients taste more luxurious.
Parmesan - Parmesan cheese adds nuttiness, saltiness, and umami flavour. It enhances every ingredient in the charcuterie pesto pasta salad and helps create a richer overall flavour.
Pine Nuts - Toasted pine nuts are optional but highly recommended. They add crunch and a subtle buttery flavour that works perfectly with the pesto.
Salt and Pepper - Simple seasoning helps balance and enhance all the flavours in the charcuterie pesto pasta salad.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Jump to Recipe for quantitiesBring a large pan of salted cold water to the boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain when ready and allow it to cool slightly. Add to a bowl
- Step 1: Stack the salami slices and cut them into quarters. Repeat with the chorizo. Tear half of the prosciutto into small pieces and set the remaining slices aside for crisping later. Slice the tomatoes in half and cut the mozzarella into bite-sized cubes. Add the salami, chorizo, torn prosciutto, tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Lay the remaining prosciutto slices flat on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for around 4 minutes until crisp, then leave to cool completely as it will continue crisping while cooling. Plate up and top with crispy prosciutto.
Hint: Cook the pasta just until al dente so it keeps its texture once mixed with the pesto and other ingredients. Overcooked pasta can become soft and absorb too much dressing, making the salad heavy rather than fresh and vibrant.
Substitutions
Pasta – Use orzo for a smaller, risotto-style texture, tortellini for a more indulgent twist, or wholewheat pasta for a nuttier flavour and extra fibre.
Salami – Replace with pepperoni for a spicier flavour, turkey salami for a lighter option, or soppressata for a richer, more robust taste.
Chorizo – Swap for nduja for a spicy, spreadable heat, smoked sausage for a milder smoky flavour, or pancetta for a saltier, crispier bite.
Prosciutto – Use crispy pancetta for extra crunch, Parma ham for a delicate salty flavour, or cooked crispy bacon for a smokier alternative.
Mixed Tomatoes – Replace the fresh tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a sweeter, smoky flavour or sun-dried tomatoes for an intense, concentrated burst of taste.
Mozzarella – Swap with burrata for extra creaminess, feta for a tangy salty bite, or bocconcini for a softer, delicate texture.
Pesto – Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a deeper, richer flavour, red pepper pesto for sweetness, or black olives tapenade for a briny Mediterranean twist.
Parmesan – Replace with pecorino for a saltier sharper flavour, grana padano for a milder nuttiness, or vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese if needed.
Pine Nuts – Swap for toasted walnuts for earthy crunch, almonds for extra nuttiness, or sunflower seeds for a budget-friendly alternative with texture.
Salt and Pepper – Use chilli flakes for heat, lemon pepper seasoning for citrusy freshness, or garlic seasoning for a savoury flavour boost.
Variations
Spicy Charcuterie Pesto Pasta Salad - Add chilli flakes, spicy nduja, hot honey, and peppery rocket for a bold, fiery version of charcuterie pesto pasta salad with extra heat and richness.
Mediterranean Charcuterie Pesto Pasta Salad - Mix in olives, roasted red peppers, artichokes, cucumber, and feta for a Mediterranean-inspired twist packed with freshness and salty flavours.
Creamy Charcuterie Pesto Pasta Salad - Stir mascarpone or cream cheese into the pesto for a richer, creamier sauce that coats the pasta beautifully and balances the cured meats.
Equipment
Pasta pot
Storage
Store charcuterie pesto pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavours often become even better after a few hours as the pesto and cured meats infuse into the pasta. If the salad starts to dry out slightly in the fridge, stir through a little extra pesto or a drizzle of olive oil before serving to refresh the texture.
For the best results, keep the crispy prosciutto separate and add it just before serving so it stays crunchy. Fresh mozzarella can release moisture over time, so give the pesto salad a quick toss before eating. This charcuterie pesto pasta salad is delicious served chilled straight from the fridge or brought back to room temperature for a softer texture and stronger flavour. Freezing is not recommended as the tomatoes and mozzarella can become watery once thawed.
Top Tip
Allow the pasta to cool slightly before mixing with the mozzarella. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too much while still allowing the pesto to coat everything evenly for maximum flavour throughout the salad.
FAQ
A good charcuterie board balances flavours, textures, and colours. Include a mix of cured meats, cheeses, fresh elements, crunchy items, spreads, and something sweet or acidic for contrast. Variety is key, but presentation also matters. Arrange ingredients naturally and make everything easy to grab and pair together.
Pasta salad is versatile, affordable, and great for meal prep. It can be served warm or cold, customised with different proteins and vegetables, and easily made ahead for gatherings, lunches, or quick dinners. Pasta salad is also ideal for feeding a crowd and often tastes even better after chilling.
The secret to great pasta salad is seasoning the pasta while it is still slightly warm so it absorbs flavour properly. Cook the pasta al dente, balance creamy and fresh ingredients, and include texture like crunchy toppings or vegetables. Letting it rest before serving also helps the flavours develop beautifully.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pesto
These are my favorite dishes with pesto if you like this one:
Recipe
Charcuterie Pesto Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Pasta pot
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 200 g pasta
- 50 g salami
- 50 g chorizo
- 80-90 g prosciutto
- 200 g mixed colour tomatoes
- 125 g mozzarella
- 2-3 tablespoon pesto
- 25 g Parmesan
- 1-2 tablespoon pinenuts toasted, optional
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain when ready and allow it to cool slightly. Add to a bowl200 g pasta
- Stack the salami slices and cut them into quarters. Repeat with the chorizo. Tear half of the prosciutto into small pieces and set the remaining slices aside for crisping later. Slice the tomatoes in half and cut the mozzarella into bite-sized cubes. Add the salami, chorizo, torn prosciutto, tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then toss everything together until evenly coated.50 g salami, 50 g chorizo, 80-90 g prosciutto, 200 g mixed colour tomatoes, 125 g mozzarella, 2-3 tablespoon pesto, 25 g Parmesan, 1-2 tablespoon pinenuts, Salt and pepper
- Lay the remaining prosciutto slices flat on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for around 4 minutes until crisp, then leave to cool completely as it will continue crisping while cooling. Plate up and top with crispy prosciutto.
