Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Cold Pesto Pasta Salad! This dish is like a burst of sunshine in a bowl, perfect for those warm days when you want something light yet satisfying. I love serving it at gatherings because it’s so colorful and vibrant, and it always gets rave reviews! The combination of tender rotini pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil tossed in creamy pesto is just divine. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal prep option—just whip it up, chill it in the fridge, and you’re set for lunch or dinner all week! Trust me, this salad is a must-try for any pasta lover!

Ingredients List

Gathering all the right ingredients for my Cold Pesto Pasta Salad is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 oz rotini pasta (you can use whole wheat for a healthier twist!)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (these little gems add such a sweet burst!)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (the aroma alone will make your kitchen sing!)
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought, it’s all delicious!)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (because who doesn’t love a cheesy touch?)
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (they add a lovely crunch!)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with seasoning!)

These ingredients come together like a dream to create a refreshing salad that’s bursting with flavor. Get ready to toss them all together!

How to Prepare Cold Pesto Pasta Salad

Making my Cold Pesto Pasta Salad is a breeze, and I promise you’ll have it ready in no time! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a deliciously refreshing dish in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by cooking the 8 oz rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so don’t overcook it!
2. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool it down quickly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup pesto sauce, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup pine nuts.
4. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well coated and mixed. You want that vibrant green pesto to hug every piece of pasta!
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this is where you can really make it your own, so don’t hold back!
6. Finally, cover the bowl and chill your salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

And there you have it—a gorgeous salad that’s ready to impress! Enjoy the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s super quick to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
• Light yet satisfying, it’s a refreshing dish that doesn’t weigh you down.
• Packed with flavor from the pesto and fresh ingredients, every bite is a taste explosion!
• Versatile and customizable; you can throw in your favorite veggies or proteins!
• Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it all week long!
• It’s vegetarian and can easily fit into a healthy diet. Talk about a win-win!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Cold Pesto Pasta Salad turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my go-to tips! First, timing is key—be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly while it cools. Rinsing it under cold water is crucial to stop the cooking and keep it from getting mushy. When it comes to seasoning, taste as you go! A little extra salt can really enhance the flavors, so don’t hesitate to adjust it to your liking. And speaking of flavors, using fresh ingredients is a game-changer! High-quality pesto and vibrant basil will elevate your salad to new heights. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick note—while I love sharing the nutritional info for my Cold Pesto Pasta Salad, keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. It’s always a good idea to double-check any labels if you’re keeping an eye on your macros. Enjoy this delicious dish without worrying too much about the numbers!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Cold Pesto Pasta Salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal flavor. If you find that it’s been sitting for a while, give it a quick stir and add a splash of extra pesto or a drizzle of olive oil to revive it. No need to reheat—this salad is meant to be served cold and refreshing! Enjoy it straight from the fridge for a quick and delicious meal anytime!

FAQ Section

Got questions about my Cold Pesto Pasta Salad? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a while, as the flavors have time to mingle. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance!

What type of pasta works best?
While I love using rotini for its fun shape, any short pasta like fusilli or penne will work wonderfully too. Just stick to a similar size for even mixing!

Can I add protein?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are fantastic additions if you want to make this salad more filling.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
For sure! This Cold Pesto Pasta Salad keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for quick lunches throughout the week.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, always rinse the pasta in cold water after cooking and ensure you chill it properly before serving. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant salad!

Serving Suggestions

My Cold Pesto Pasta Salad is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! For a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp—both add a nice protein boost! You could also opt for some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra pesto goodness. If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple arugula salad with a squeeze of lemon would be a refreshing complement. And don’t forget about a glass of chilled white wine—it’s the perfect way to elevate your summer dining experience!

For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Garlic Butter Pasta.

For more information on the health benefits of basil, you can visit Healthline.

Cold Pesto Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave It Daily

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A refreshing cold pasta salad with pesto.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, pesto sauce, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
4. Toss everything together until well mixed.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
• Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
• This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Cold
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Cold Pesto Pasta Salad