Fresh & Zesty Pesto Pasta Salad – A Quick and Delicious Dish!
Looking for a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish? Say hello to your new go-to meal: Pesto Pasta Salad! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a light, tasty dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. The star of the show? Fresh basil pesto—a zesty, herby sauce that coats every bit of pasta with a burst of flavor. And the best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content with extra veggies, proteins, or whatever you have on hand!
Ingredients
- 8 oz Fusilli Or Penne Pasta
- ½ Cup Fresh Basil Pesto (Store-Bought Or Homemade)
- ⅓ Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Chopped
- ¼ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
- 1 Cup Arugula (Optional, For Extra Freshness)
- Olive Oil For Drizzling
- Salt And Pepper To Taste
- Optional: ½ Cup Olives Or Toasted Pine Nuts For Extra Crunch
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the PastaBring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and let it cool slightly.
- Step 2: Make the Pesto (if homemade)If you’re making your own basil pesto, blend together 2 cups of fresh basil, ¼ cup pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup olive oil, and ½ cup grated parmesan until smooth.
- Step 3: Toss the IngredientsIn a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and arugula. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Add ToppingsSprinkle the salad with grated parmesan and toss in any optional ingredients like olives or toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. This pesto pasta salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature—perfect for picnics, meal prep, or a light summer meal!
