Pesto Pasta Salad

Delicious flavors of pesto and two extra veggies with a simple twist, making this pesto pasta salad the perfect version for kids

Pasta Salad for a Party

Whether its a picnic, potluck or a side dish for a barbecue, pasta salad is the perfect dish for any of these types of parties.  This pesto pasta salad is bursting with fresh flavor – basil and pine nuts from the pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes and sweet popping green peas.  Kids love to eat string cheese, and we almost always have it on hand.  When you cut it up into pieces, it makes the perfect bite-size pieces of cheese for kids to eat.  Pasta salad is great dish to bring to a gathering because it comes together really easily, has fresh and tasty ingredients, and can hold up if it sits out for a bit.

How to Make Pesto Pasta Salad

The hardest part of making this recipe is cutting the tomatoes in half……..so it is one of those easy peasy recipes.  The key to making a good pasta salad is choosing a noodle that can hold its texture and absorb the flavors of the dressing you put on it.  In this case the pesto.  You want each noodly bite to have that delicious savory/sweet flavors of classic basil pesto.  When the pasta has just a couple minutes left to cook, add the frozen peas and let them cook together.  When the pasta is cooked to al dente, drain and then combine with pesto and cherry tomatoes.  Let it cool to room temperature.  Add the cubed cheese at the end and toss to combine.  Chill before serving.

How to Make Your Own Pesto

Homemade fresh pesto is definitely amazing, but can be more expensive that buying it in the store.  However you may just like the flavors and texture of pesto you make yourself.  It is so fresh and you can control how thick or runny to want your pesto.  And it really only takes about 5 minutes to make your own if you have the ingredients.   If that is the case, here are some tips for making basil pesto at home:

• Keep your pine nuts in the fridge – you can buy a big bag at Costco (and although pricey) it will last forever
• Lightly pack the basil leaves in a measuring cup
• You can add full cloves of garlic because your food processor will mince it for you
• Use a food processor not a blender – the texture is much better

If you need to take a pasta salad to a party:

• Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad
• 5 Quick and Easy Pasta Salads
• Kid Friendly Pasta Salad
• Pizza Pasta Salad

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