Go Back
+ servings
Pesto Pasta Salad

Savory Pesto Pasta Salad with Homemade Basil Delight

Delight in this Pesto Pasta Salad, a vibrant mix of homemade basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and arugula, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces spiral pasta or any short pasta
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 cup basil pesto homemade preferred
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 cups fresh arugula or baby spinach
  • 8 ounces bocconcini or mozzarella balls, optional
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts optional
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • serving platter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pesto Pasta Salad
  1. Start by filling a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a roaring boil over high heat. Add the spiral pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with your homemade basil pesto, ensuring all the pasta is coated evenly. Next, add the creamy mayonnaise, halved cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, and fresh arugula. Gently fold these ingredients together.
  3. Transfer the vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad onto a large serving platter. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top for a delightful crunch and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal taste, refrigerate your salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the delicious flavors to meld beautifully together.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!