This Pasta Salad with Pesto comes together quickly with less than ten simple ingredients from perfectly al dente pasta and vibrant veggies to zesty and herbaceous pesto. It takes just minutes to prepare, making it a game-changer for any occasion from picnics and barbecues to a standalone lunch or dinner that’s always satisfying!
Table of Contents
Pass, the Pesto, Please!
When you think of pasta salad, you probably think of bland, cold noodles coated in creamy mayonnaise. But, that’s not what you’ll find in this recipe!
We freshened up the classic dish with fresh produce and zesty pesto as the sauce. The end result is a flavor-loaded dish that’s full of nutrients and is just as easy to make as the original.
Not to mention, this pasta salad with pesto:
- Uses just a handful of simple ingredients.
- Comes together in less than 30 minutes.
- Makes enough to feed a crowd.
- Can be enjoyed as a light meal or savory side.
Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
For this pasta salad with pesto, we swapped out heavy sauces for refreshing ingredients that are full of nutrients. It’s a great way to use up summer produce!
- Pasta – We prefer to use rotini for this recipe, but any small pasta you like best will work. If needed gluten-free noodles can also be substituted.
- Pesto – We pretty much always have a jar of homemade pesto on hand, but store-bought varieties taste great, too!
- Parsley – Included for a punchy, peppery taste.
- Cheese – A combination of mozzarella pearls and shredded parmesan cheese creates a creamy texture and rich, savory flavor you’ll love.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Use as little or as much as you’d like.
- Basil – Include this on top for a boost of refreshing flavor.
Boil, Combine, Eat: How to Make Pasta Salad with Pesto
The only cooking required for this recipe is preparing the pasta. Then, all you have to do is toss the ingredients together and eat!
- Prepare the Pasta. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Then, drain the water, and set the noodles aside to cool.
- Combine. Add all the ingredients except the cheese and basil to a large mixing bowl, and gently toss to combine. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed to suit your preferences.
- Garnish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and fresh, torn basil leaves on top.
- Enjoy! Serve pasta salad chilled or at room temperature.
Common Questions About This Pasta Salad with Pesto Recipe
Short shapes like rotini, penne, farfalle, or fusilli are perfect! Their twists and ridges grab onto the pesto, so every bite is coated in that green goodness.
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto makes this dish super quick, but if you have a few extra minutes, homemade pesto really takes it up a notch. Either way, it’s a win.
We prefer to serve it cold, but you can serve it at room temperature or even just slightly warm if you can’t wait to dig in right after you make it!
Not at all—but if you want to bulk it up, grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans are amazing add-ins.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
Want more easy-peasy ways to make pasta the star of the show? We’ve got you covered with these simple yet flavorful salads!
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
- Warm Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Easy Summer Pasta Salad with Fruit
- Caesar Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad with Pesto Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta cooked according to package instructions
- 16 ounces grape tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup prepared pesto
- 1/3 cup fresh Italian parsley
- 8 ounces mini mozzarella pearls
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup red onion chopped
- Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped grape tomatoes, prepared pesto, fresh Italian parsley, mini Mozzarella pearls, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chopped red onion to the bowl, and toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Garnish the pasta salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves.
- Serve the pasta salad with pesto chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or a light meal.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you please give me the recipe for your homemade pesto?
Thank you!
Hi Camille,
You can find our basil pesto recipe here. We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Such a good light dinner. Tasted great.
I made this pasta salad for my brothers’ engagement party and it was a huge hit. I made the recipe for 60 people and Everyone loved it. So simple and so easy to make too!
Wow! We’re so glad it turned out well, Michelle!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Made this dish with homemade pesto sauce and it was delicious! I added shredded chicken and had an easy weeks worth of lunches.
Yum! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Laura!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa