Bowtie Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad is a classic summer dish that's perfect for backyard barbecues. It's made with fresh, ingredients like basil pesto, bowtie pasta, tomatoes, and cheese, and can be served warm or cold
Servings: 8
Calories: 420kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz Farfalle (bowtie pasta) cooked according to package instructions
- 1½ cup pesto sauce homemade or store bought
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper fresh cracked
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta following the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water when the pasta is al dente in firmness.16 oz Farfalle (bowtie pasta)
- After the pasta has cooled, add the pesto sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, and black pepper all to a large bowl.1½ cup pesto sauce, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For cold pasta pesto salad mix all the ingredients until the bowtie pasta is coated with pesto sauce.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- PRO TIP: If you want to serve this as a warm pasta pesto salad, toss the pesto and tomatoes until well blended. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese very last, so that it doesn't get melted.
Notes
- Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor if making our Thai Basil Pesto recipe (you can use ANY variety of fresh basil too!).
- Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente.
- Add the tomatoes and cheese just before serving so they don't get soggy.
- Serve the salad warm or cold.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 550mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1083IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 1mg