Go Back
+ servings
Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad That Will Brighten Your Holiday Table

This Pesto Pasta Salad combines vibrant ingredients, making it a festive and delightful dish for any holiday table.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces pasta use gluten-free pasta for an option
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup balsamic sweet peppers substitute with roasted red peppers if needed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes optional
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls swap with feta for a bold alternative
For the Pesto Sauce
  • 1 cup pesto store-bought or homemade, substitute with a nut-free version if needed

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pesto Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Let cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, wash and chop the balsamic sweet peppers and slice cherry tomatoes in half. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
  4. Spoon in the pesto and gently mix to coat pasta and vegetables evenly.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  6. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat or serve cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Pesto Pasta Salad can be prepared a day in advance for enhanced flavor. Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent sticking.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!