Description
Elevate your meal gatherings with this Easy Pesto Pasta Salad, a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer. This salad is not only quick to prepare, taking just 22 minutes from start to finish, but it also bursts with fresh flavors from ripe tomatoes, sweet peas, and aromatic basil pesto. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or casual family dinners, it can be served as a delightful side or a satisfying main when paired with grilled chicken or turkey. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly—simply refrigerate it for a stress-free dining experience. Enjoy the colorful presentation and delicious taste that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb spiral pasta
- 10 ounces prepared basil pesto
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup red onion (chopped)
- 2 cups English peas
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with halved tomatoes, chopped onions, and English peas.
- Pour basil pesto over the mixture and toss until well coated. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir again.
- Adjust consistency by drizzling in olive oil if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving cold, garnished with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg