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5.0 from 102 votes

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto pasta salad is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or main dish!

Prep Time
20 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 338 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course , Salad
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cavatappi or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
  • ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes diced
  • ½ cup mozzarella balls small
  • ½ cup kalamata olives pitted
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Dressing
  • ½ cup pesto see notes
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions and drain well. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk pesto, mayonnaise, and red wine vinegar.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, grape tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives. Add the dressing and toss well to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  5. Chop fresh basil and sprinkle on top just before serving

Notes

  • *If using homemade pesto, the pasta salad and leftover pesto should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days.
  •  
  • Rinse the pasta in cold water to stop it from cooking.
  • As the salad sits, it will absorb dressing, so be sure to dress generously.
  • Optional additions include parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, capers, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Nutrition Information

Calories 338 (17%) Carbohydrates 34g (11%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 19g (29%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 9mg (3%) Sodium 449mg (19%) Potassium 300mg (9%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 760IU (15%) Vitamin C 5.4mg (6%) Calcium 86mg (9%) Iron 1.2mg (7%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 338

% Daily Value*

Calories 338 17%
Carbohydrates 34g 11%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 19g 29%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 449mg 19%
Potassium 300mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 760IU 15%
Vitamin C 5.4mg 6%
Calcium 86mg 9%
Iron 1.2mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.