Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing pasta salad. They are easy to make, customizable, and can be served either warm or cold. This easy pesto pasta salad recipe is a great option for a quick and easy meal that is also packed with flavor. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite!
Pesto is a flavorful sauce made from basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s a versatile sauce that can be used on pasta, sandwiches, or even as a dip. For this recipe, we’ll be using prepared pesto sauce for convenience. However, you can also make your own pesto if you prefer.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make this easy pesto pasta salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
You will also need the following equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Serving spoon
How to Make
To make this easy pesto pasta salad, follow these steps:
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, pesto sauce, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations for this easy pesto pasta salad:
Use any type of pasta you like. Short pastas, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli, work well in this salad. However, you can also use long pastas, such as spaghetti or linguine, if you prefer.
If you don’t have prepared pesto sauce, you can make your own. To make your own pesto, simply combine 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of olive oil, and 2 cloves of garlic in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.
Add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts. You can also add cooked protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, to make the salad more filling.
