Pesto Pasta Salad

This delicious Pesto Pasta Salad is a crowd pleaser that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Made with simple ingredients like shell pasta, tangy cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, thinly sliced red onions, and freshly chopped basil, it’s an easy summer side dish that’s sure to impress.

The secret to making the best pesto pasta salad is the fresh basil pesto, which adds the perfect amount of flavor to the dish.

Not only is this salad a tasty addition to any barbecue or potluck, but it also makes for a light dinner or an ideal meal prep option.

Cold pesto pasta salad can be made ahead of time, allowing you to save time and enjoy a healthy, hearty meal.

The homemade pesto provides complex carbs and healthy fats, making it a nutritious option that’s great for your heart. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can add a variety of fresh vegetables and proteins to suit your taste.

Overall, this simple and delicious pesto pasta salad recipe is a great dish to have on hand for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy summer side dish or a quick meal after a busy day, this salad is a must-try.

Why This Pasta Salad Works

• Light and flavorful
• Easy to make
• Customizable
• Perfect for large gatherings

What You Need

• Homemade Pesto
• Shell pasta
• Fresh cherry tomatoes
• Mini mozzarella pearls
• Red onion
• Fresh basil
• Salt & pepper

Recipe Variations

• Can be made gluten free using gluten free pasta.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein packed pasta salad.
• Add vegetables such as zucchini, peas, bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
• For a savory salad, add some peas and bacon.
• Add chopped artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the pesto pasta for a Mediterranean-inspired salad.
• For a creamy pesto pasta salad add 1/4 cup of mayo or Greek yogurt.
• For a bit of a kick add some red pepper flakes.

How to Make Pesto Pasta Salad

1. Begin by making the homemade pesto sauce and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
3. Drain pasta in a colander and run cold water over top while tossing it for about 1-2 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, fresh pesto, cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella pearls, red onion, fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Allow the pasta to chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. Serve cold and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta Salad

• Don’t overcook the pasta as it can get mushy and ruin the texture of the salad.
• Make sure to chill the pasta for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. You can even add a little olive oil in with the pasta to prevent it from sticking.
• Pasta salad is best when served chilled.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If pasta salad is a bit watery from storing, drain liquids and add a bit more pesto if needed.

FAQs

Can you freeze pesto pasta salad?

I do not recommend freezing as it can lose a lot of it’s texture and flavor.

What kind of pasta is best for pesto pasta salad?

For this recipe we used shell pasta but you could use any kind of small pasta you’d like. Some other options could be penne, farfalle or fusilli.

How long can pesto pasta salad sit out at room temperature?

It is recommended to not let sit out longer than 2 hours to avoid risk of bacteria growth and food-borne illness.

What goes with pesto pasta salad?

This pairs nicely with almost anything you’d make a cookout such as burgers, hot dogs chicken and steak. You can also add some additional sides such as fruit salad and corn on the cob.

More Summer Salads

• Grape Salad
• California Spaghetti Salad
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
• Dill Pickle Pasta Salad