Pesto Pasta Salad

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This pesto pasta salad is such a flavorful side dish or light summer dinner. It’s an easy, healthy recipe full of fresh produce.

Pasta salad is one of my favorite summer dishes. I love playing with different dressings and veggie combinations to come up with unique flavors. On a warm summer night, pasta salad can be such a great light dinner option.

This pesto pasta salad is perfect for when you have lots of greens to use up. You can use basil pesto, arugula pesto, or any other version you like. These flavors go well with the cherry tomatoes, yellow pepper, olives, and mozzarella.

I like to use gluten-free pasta, but whole wheat pasta works, too. It starts out looking like regular pasta, but then the pesto turns it green. This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

This pesto pasta salad recipe can be easily adapted to suit your tastes. Throw in any additional vegetables you have on hand for a light but hearty summer dinner.

Pesto Pasta Salad

This pesto pasta salad is a light side dish full of fresh summer flavors.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:10 minutes mins

Total Time:20 minutes mins

Recommended Equipment

• large pot
• food processor
• large bowl

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 bell pepper
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
• 1 cup mozzarella balls
• Salt to taste

Instructions

• Boil a large pot of water and cook the pasta according to the package directions.
• While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto and cut the tomatoes, pepper, and olives into bite-sized pieces.
• Drain the pasta when it’s done cooking and transfer it to a large bowl. Add the pesto and stir to coat well. Taste the pasta and sprinkle with salt if needed. Then stir in the tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, and mozzarella.
• Serve warm or at room temperature. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Yields 10 cups.

Approximate Nutrition Info

Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 522IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1mg

Servings: 10

Calories: 251kcal

Author: Annemarie Rossi

Cost: $.96 per serving

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Pesto Pasta Salad Price Breakdown

This recipe costs a total of $9.64, or $.96 per one-cup serving. Try this salad for a unique twist on the traditional version and a delicious, light summer dinner!