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5.0 from 27 votes

Pesto Pasta Salad

This Italian Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is an easy pasta salad that's full of flavor! Perfect for any night of the week or take it to your next summer BBQ.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 554 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 oz dried pasta, use a short pasta such as penne, rotini, macaroni or something similar
  • 15 oz can white kidney beans or great northern beans drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup pesto sauce homemade or store bought
  • 1 cup Grape or Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • ¼ cup Italian salad dressing
  • ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain and rinse in cold water.
  2. Meanwhile in a large bowl combine the pesto, Italian dressing, beans, tomatoes, olives, and cheese. Stir in pasta.
  3. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Top with toasted pine nuts just before serving.

Notes

  • I STRONGLY suggest you spend the extra time to make your own pesto for this salad if you can. It makes all the difference. 
  • You can make this pesto pasta salad 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator.
  • This salad can be changed up very easily. Add in your favorite rotisserie or grilled chicken, any type of short pasta works great or try cheese tortellini, change out the white beans for garbanzo beans, add in fresh mozzarella balls, add cucumber or spinach. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 554kcal (28%) Carbohydrates 66g (22%) Protein 18g (36%) Fat 25g (38%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 8mg (3%) Sodium 942mg (39%) Potassium 558mg (16%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 902IU (18%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 174mg (17%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 554

% Daily Value*

Calories 554kcal 28%
Carbohydrates 66g 22%
Protein 18g 36%
Fat 25g 38%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 942mg 39%
Potassium 558mg 12%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 902IU 18%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 174mg 17%
Iron 3mg 17%

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