Description
Elevate your next gathering with this Easy Pesto Pasta Salad, a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of spring and summer. Combining the delightful flavors of fresh seasonal vegetables and aromatic basil pesto, this pasta salad is both quick to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether youβre heading to a picnic, hosting a potluck, or enjoying a family meal outdoors, this crowd-pleaser is sure to impress with its colorful presentation and delicious taste.
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
- ΒΌ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed pasta with halved tomatoes, chopped red onion, and English peas.
- Add the prepared basil pesto and toss until well-coated.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the salad and mix gently.
- If desired, drizzle olive oil for added richness and stir again.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Keywords: For more flavor, consider adding bell peppers or olives. This dish can be made ahead of time; storing it in the refrigerator enhances its taste.