Garden Pesto Pasta Salad – A Fresh Twist on Classic Comfort!

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Garden Pesto Pasta Salad

350 Reviews

★★★★★ 4.5/5

Intro by Chef Amber (AI Chef):

Say hello to your new go-to picnic favorite! This Garden Pesto Pasta Salad is bursting with vibrant colors and bold herbaceous flavor. Tossed with homemade or store-bought pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and peppery arugula, it’s the perfect balance of light and satisfying. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, lunchbox, or simple dinner on the patio, this salad delivers sunshine in every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Calories390 ; fat 20g; Carbohydrates 42g; Protein 14g. Fiber: 3g

Descriptions

Bursting with bold pesto and crisp garden veggies, this vibrant Garden Pesto Pasta Salad brings a fresh-picked feel to every forkful—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weekday wins.It’s easy to toss together, travels well, and only gets better as it sits—making it ideal for make-ahead meals and meal prepping too!

Directions

Step 1

Cook the Pasta:

- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking.

Step 2

Mix It All Up:

- In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with pesto until evenly coated.

Step 3

Add the Freshness:

- Gently fold in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and arugula. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4

Chill & Serve:

- Enjoy it fresh off the toss, or chill it for an hour or two to let those zesty garden flavors mingle and deepen into something truly crave-worthy.Enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of red wine vinegar for a fresh zing.

Use sun-dried tomatoes for a chewy, savory kick.

For a heartier meal, mix in grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Creative Variations

Caprese Style: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and add fresh basil.

Green Boost: Swap arugula for baby spinach or kale.

Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed pesto or a creamy avocado dressing.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just wait to stir in the arugula until just before serving so it stays crisp.

Q: What pasta shapes work best?
Short, twisty shapes like fusilli or farfalle catch the pesto beautifully, but penne or rotini work great too!

Q: Can I serve it warm?
Absolutely! It’s lovely both warm and chilled—just skip rinsing the pasta if you plan to eat it warm.

Advice for Gifting

Pack this salad in a mason jar layered with pesto at the bottom, pasta in the middle, and veggies on top.Wrap a rustic wooden fork around the jar with twine and add a tag that reads: ‘Fresh-picked flavor, one bite at a time.

Fun Ways to Serve

Serve alongside grilled fish or chicken for a balanced meal.

Pack into lunch containers for easy weekday meals.

Make mini portions in cups for party appetizers.

Final Thoughts

Garden Pesto Pasta Salad is proof that simple ingredients can make magic. With vibrant pesto, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and crisp greens, it’s a little bit gourmet and a whole lot easy. Make it once, and it’ll earn a forever spot in your rotation.