This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Pesto Pasta Salad is a summer side dish made with tender pasta, pesto, tomatoes, and cucumbers. This popular side has all the summer vibes and requires minimal effort.
Ingredient notes
- pasta - any kind of pasta will work for this recipe
- extra virgin olive oil - used to keep pasta from sticking
- pesto - basil pesto or my Arugula Pesto will work perfectly
- sun dried or cherry tomatoes - or any tomatoes
What is the BEST pesto for pesto pasta salad?
You can use any pesto you like. I love my Arugula Pesto with this recipe, but I also love kale pesto and classic basil pesto. My general rule is, as long as the pesto is delicious, it's going to be awesome when mixed into a pasta salad.
How to make Pesto Pasta Salad
Step 1. Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni noodles according to package instructions; rinse, drain, and set aside to cool.
Recipe tip: Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over cooled pasta and gently mix. This helps keep the pasta from drying out while it's waiting to be dressed.
Step 2. Chop ingredients: Chop tomatoes and cucumbers.
Step 3. Combine ingredients: Stir pesto into the cooled pasta until well-combined. Add tomatoes and cucumbers. Toss to combine.
Step 4. Store and serve: Cover and refrigerate up to 5 days; serve chilled.
More pasta salad recipes
📖 Recipe
Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Uncooked Pasta Noodles
- ½ cup Basil Pesto store bought or homemade
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- ½ cup Cucumbers sliced
Instructions
- Cook PASTA according to package instructions. Rinse, drain, and set aside to cool.
- Gently fold in PESTO to coat pasta noodles.
- Add TOMATOES and CUCUMBERS. Toss to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate up to 5 days. Serve chilled.
Final step
Click stars to vote. Please visit 'Comments' below for reviews.
Michelle says
Yum, what a delicious and flavourful pasta salad! My kids loved it!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome! So glad to hear it...thanks for the feedback 🙂
kim says
My whole family loved this! It was so easy and delicious flavors!
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome, Kim! So glad you enjoyed...thanks! 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Such bold and incredible flavors in this recipe.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Jocelyn! Yes...we LOVE bold around here 😉
Jen says
We love making this on Sunday and eating it all week (if it doesn't get eaten sooner, lol). So good and goes with everything.
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome! Thanks, Jen...so glad to hear it! Pesto pasta doesn't last long here either LOL 🙂
Sonal says
Traci - this salad is right up my ally. I am so excited to see the use of Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the salad... healthy and fresh. Thanks for suggesting the switch to Greek yogurt. I bet pesto added the required zesty flavors to the salad.
Traci Antonovich says
Awwww you're so welcome and thanks, Sonal! Yes, the Greek yogurt and pesto combo is sooo yummmm and healthy! Enjoy 🙂
Claudia Lamascolo says
Great idea to combine these flavors together they go great together for any meal
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Claudia! Love pesto on everything 🙂
Sapana says
I love a delicious pesto pasta salad and this hit the spot. The added greek yogurt really elevated the flavor, added more creaminess, and more nutrients. So simple and delicious!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much, Sapana! So glad you enjoyed 🙂
Jen says
I love this lighter twist on a classic! So creamy and perfect.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Jen! Enjoy!
Iryna says
My kids adore pesto and pasta. I'm sure this salad will be so popular in our house.
Traci Antonovich says
Yay, hope they love it, Iryna! Thanks 🙂
Liz says
I love pasta salad but I have never made it with pesto before! Such a great idea! This is going to be a potluck favorite!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much, Liz! Yes...pesto pasta salad is always a hit at our gatherings 🙂