why make this recipe

Pesto Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. It combines pasta with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. The creamy pesto ties everything together, making each bite delightful. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to include your favorite vegetables or adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home.

how to make Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients :

16 ounces penne pasta (or rotini)
¾ cup vegan pesto
1 cup baby arugula
1 cup peas
½ cup sundried tomatoes
1 large cucumber (chopped)

Directions :

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Rinse with cold water to cool.
In a large bowl, toss the cooled and drained pasta with pesto, arugula, peas, sundried tomatoes, and cucumber.
Serve cold. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

how to serve Pesto Pasta Salad

Serve Pesto Pasta Salad cold as a side dish, or make it a main meal by adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein. It pairs nicely with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. Enjoy it on a hot summer day or at any casual gathering with friends and family.

how to store Pesto Pasta Salad

You can store Pesto Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep leftovers, you might want to add a little more pesto before serving to refresh the flavors. Avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of the vegetables and pasta can change.

tips to make Pesto Pasta Salad

Always rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
If you want more flavor, add some grated vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to the salad.
You can customize the recipe by adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach.

variation

Feel free to change-up the pasta type. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can work well. You can also switch the vegetables or add others like broccoli or carrots. For a tangy twist, squeeze some lemon juice over the salad just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought vegan pesto is a great time-saver and will work perfectly in this recipe.

How long can I keep this pasta salad?
Pesto Pasta Salad can be kept in the fridge for about 3 days.

Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.