Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and vibrant dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich basil pesto sauce, crisp vegetables, and optional protein for a well-rounded meal. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing and delicious meal!

Accompanying the pasta and pesto are an array of colorful ingredients like cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, olives, and even mozzarella pearls, adding bursts of flavor and visual appeal. Some variations may include grilled chicken, shrimp, or toasted nuts for added protein and crunch. This dish is not only versatile, allowing for countless customizations, but also a crowd-pleaser at picnics, potlucks, or as a light and satisfying weekday meal.

Pesto Pasta Salad Ingredients & Substitutions

Pesto Pasta Salad

Recipe by StephenCourse: Pasta salad, Salads

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

400

kcal

Pesto Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with a vibrant basil pesto dressing, crisp vegetables, and crunchy toasted nuts. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors, making it an ideal meal for warm days, picnics, or quick lunches. Customizable and easy to prepare, it’s a go-to recipe for a delicious and satisfying dish! Let me know if you’d like variations or serving ideas.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked bowtie pasta

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)

• 1/2 cup basil pesto

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

• Cook the Pasta & Prepare Ingredients
  Boil the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and let it cool.
  Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh spinach.
  Grate the parmesan cheese and toast the pine nuts (if using).
• Assemble the Salad
  In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese.
• Make the Pesto Dressing
  In a small bowl, mix the basil pesto with olive oil to create a smooth consistency.
• Mix Everything
  Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta salad.
  Toss everything together until well coated.
• Serve & Enjoy
  Garnish with toasted pine nuts and extra parmesan (if desired).
  Serve immediately or chill before serving

Flavor Profile

• Pesto: The heart of this dish is the pesto—made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It has a slightly creamy texture with a bold herbal and nutty taste.

• Pasta: The pasta serves as the foundation, offering a chewy texture that absorbs the pesto beautifully.

• Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives add freshness, crunch, and a mix of tangy-sweet notes.

• Cheese & Nuts: Feta cheese and toasted pine nuts introduce creamy and toasty elements that enhance every bite.

Perfect for Any Occasion

• Meal Prep: It stores well, so you can make it in advance and keep it refrigerated for quick meals.

• Side or Main Dish: Serve it as a light meal on its own or pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

• Versatile: You can tweak the ingredients to match your preference—swap veggies, add protein, or use different pasta shapes.

Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta Salad

• Use fresh basil pesto for the most vibrant flavor.

• Chill before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

• Balance textures by including crunchy elements like bell peppers and nuts.

• Dress lightly—you can always add more pesto if needed!