Super Easy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
This Super Easy Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for any occasion, offering the ideal balance of fresh, vibrant flavors with minimal effort. Originally inspired by a Kraft recipe, I’ve made it my own with a few tweaks that truly elevate the taste. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor—whether you’re serving it for brunch, a summer gathering, or simply a weeknight dinner. With creamy parmesan, fragrant basil, and a touch of garlic, this pasta salad will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 3/4 cup |
| Fresh basil (packed) | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic (cloves, minced) | 2 cloves |
| Black olives (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Cooked pasta (penne or shells) | 3 cups |
| Italian dressing (or pesto dressing) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 202.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 10.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 3.7 mg |
| Sodium | 404.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 23.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g |
| Sugars | 2.5 g |
| Protein | 4.1 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Pesto Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and Italian dressing. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more cheese or garlic if desired.
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Cook the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta down quickly. This will help maintain a firm texture when mixed with the dressing.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta and sliced black olives. Pour the pesto dressing over the top, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
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Chill and Marinate: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour. The pesto dressing has time to marinate with the pasta, making the flavors come together beautifully. If you have time, let it sit overnight for an even deeper flavor profile.
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Serve: Just before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss and sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese over the top for an added burst of flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations
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Add-ins: If you want to make the salad heartier, feel free to add in some grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, or roasted vegetables. The pesto dressing pairs well with various ingredients.
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Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast.
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Herbs: If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use a combination of fresh spinach and parsley for a unique twist on the traditional pesto flavor.
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Pasta Choice: Penne works wonderfully here, but you can also swap it for rotini, farfalle, or any other pasta you enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Super Easy Pesto Pasta Salad is ideal for beginners in the kitchen, offering simple ingredients that come together in just a few steps. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, summer party, or casual weeknight dinner, it’s sure to impress everyone with its vibrant, fresh flavor. And with only 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dish ready in no time!
Perfect for those looking for a quick and easy recipe that still delivers big on taste, this pesto pasta salad is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a versatile dish that works well as a side or even a light main course. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan creates a savory, herbaceous dressing that perfectly complements the pasta and olives.
Super Easy Pesto Pasta Salad: A Must-Have Recipe for Your Next Gathering!
Make this Super Easy Pesto Pasta Salad your go-to dish for any event. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and outstanding flavor, it’s a winning choice for brunches, summer parties, or even casual family dinners. Enjoy it chilled, and don’t forget to serve with an extra sprinkle of parmesan for that perfect finishing touch!
