5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe for Quick Summer Meals

This 5 Ingredient Pesto Pasta Salad is made with simple, wholesome ingredients in under 15 minutes. Filled with sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and fresh basil, it delivers bold flavor in an easy, versatile dish.

A cold pesto pasta salad recipe

This 5 Ingredient Pesto Pasta Salad is a reliable, fast recipe to keep in your back pocket when you need a quick, satisfying meal. Although it’s often served chilled, it works well warm too depending on what you’re serving it with. If you make this ahead and chill it, allow about 10 minutes at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How to make pesto pasta salad

This is a no-fuss, five-ingredient recipe that comes together in about 15 minutes. For this pesto pasta salad you’ll need:

• Pasta
• Pesto
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Pine nuts
• Basil

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, then toss with pesto, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and chopped basil. Chill in the refrigerator if you prefer it cold, or serve immediately warm — either way it makes a simple, delicious lunch or dinner.

Tips for making this pesto pasta salad

• Using store-bought pesto speeds up the recipe, but homemade pesto works beautifully if you prefer.
• Try a higher-protein pasta such as quinoa or chickpea pasta if you want extra nutrition — any pasta will work.
• Prep the add-ins while the pasta cooks so everything is ready as soon as the pasta is drained.
• Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water if you plan to serve it chilled; this stops the cooking and cools it quickly.

Recipe add-ins to try:

Add any of the following to customize the salad:

• Roasted zucchini
• Bocconcini or shaved Parmesan (for a vegetarian option)
• Fresh cherry tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Grilled asparagus

More pasta recipes to try

• Vegan Taco Pasta
• Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
• Vegetable Lo Mein

5 Ingredient Pesto Pasta Salad

• Author: Jess
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Side, Entree
• Method: Cook
• Cuisine: American, Italian

If you tried this 5 Ingredient Pesto Pasta Salad or another recipe from the blog, let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment or a rating below!