This Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad is full of tomatoes, artichokes, peas, and topped with a creamy pesto sauce! It’s sure to be a BBQ favorite!
Over Memorial Day weekend we hosted a BBQ, and I knew this Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad would be perfect for occasion. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved pasta salad in the summer. My mom used to make it all the time, and she would throw in whatever veggies we had on hand or in the garden; It was always so good! I’ve been trying to grow a couple herbs and veggies this year, so I thought I could make use of my basil plant and make some savory homemade pesto. This Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect BBQ side dish!
I adore anything with pesto, so this creamy pesto pasta salad was no brainer for me. One thing I realized while grocery shopping though, is that pine nuts you need to make pesto are crazy expensive! I’ve heard Costco carries a large bag for a reasonable price, but you could also make your pesto with a different type of nut…walnuts, almonds…etc. If you want to take a shortcut, just buy a jar of premade pesto – easy peasy!
The creamy pesto pasta salad is full of juicy cherry tomatoes, artichoke, green peas, and of course pesto. If you don’t like a certain component in this salad, you can always substitute it with something else; That’s the thing with pasta salad, you can pretty much throw whatever you want into it, and it will turn out delicious!
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- Use a stock pot to cook your pasta, then mix everything in the big pot – it will make mixing SO much easier!
- Serve this creamy pesto pasta salad during potlucks, holiday BBQs or for dinner. For more protein add some shredded chicken!
- This pasta salad only gets better with time! I recommend making it the night before you need it, then letting it chill overnight in the fridge. All the flavors meld together and make it super tasty!
- 1 lb pasta I like rigatoni or a small circular pasta
- 1 cup homemade or store bought pesto
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas
- 16 ounces artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed, and chopped roughly
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut into halves
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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Cook pasta el dente according to directions, drain and set aside in a large bowl.
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In a small bowl mix pesto sauce and mayonnaise together and set aside.
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With the pasta, add peas, artichokes, and tomatoes. Pour pesto mixture over the top and toss to mix and coat evenly.
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Allow the salad to cool in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving, up to overnight.
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Garnish with additional cheese and fresh basil if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Like easy BBQ recipes as much as I do?! Check out these other recipes from Domestic Superhero:
Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta with Whipped Basil Feta Dip
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Thanks for visiting!
– Allyson
Jessica says
How do I make my own pesto?
Allyson says
Jessica! It’s so easy!! Literally a handful of fresh basil leaves, a couple TBS of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup pine nuts, and a couple cloves of garlic. Put it all in the food processor and mix, then stream some Extra Virgin olive oil into the processor to get right consistency..probably 1/4 cup or so. Done! This is essentially what you are going for, https://domesticsuperhero.com/2012/08/27/arugula-lemon-pesto/ but it’s done with arugula and almonds instead of typical basil/pine nuts
Julie Corbisiero says
Hi Allyson, this summer salad looks so good! Thanks for sharing it looks like a winner.
Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
JESS44903 says
This looks delicious!! I totally need to try this! Pinned!
Allyson says
Thanks!!
now at home mom says
Your pesto salad looks absolutely delicious Allyson! 🙂 this is something I would love to try! 🙂
Allyson says
Thank you, Ingrid!!
Rebecca from Who Needs a Cape? says
Wow that looks so yummy! Found you over on the Tumble Weed Contessa’s linky party.
Allyson says
Thanks for coming by!!
De'nise says
YUM! This looks really good & thanks for the nice complement. <3 😀
I'll have to try your version-soon!
mfashforward says
Would love for you to share this at my link party where we pin all those who join to our party board
http://myfashionforwardblog.com/all-things-pretty-11/
bonnie@uncommon designs says
Seriously yummy! Totally pinning! 😉
Alyssa says
I love anything with pesto in it. Pinning this one for later! I’m over here from My Turn (for us) Link up!
Robin~All Things Heart and Home says
This looks so yummy! What a perfect dish for summertime! xo
Robin says
Why is it that salads always, look, sound and taste so much better in the summer? Thank you for coming by and sharing this on Fluster Buster’s Creative Muster Party.
Robin
Fluster Buster
Lori Who Needs A Cape? says
Beautiful salad!
We’d love for you to share it at our 1st SUPER SUNDAY Linky Party:
http://whoneedsacape.com/2013/06/super-sunday-party-1/
Lori
Whoneedsacape.com
Not Your Average Super Moms!
Tumbleweed Contessa says
Great idea for summer time gatherings or for a take to work lunch. Thanks for sharing at What’d You Do This Weekend. Best wishes for tasty dishes this week!
Julia says
Yummy! This looks amazing! I pinned and can’t wait to try it!
Cheers,
Julia
It’s Always Ruetten
carriehurst says
Featuring you on Thursday from last week’s party. Thanks for sharing at Pinworthy Projects.
Allyson says
Thanks!! I am going to give you a big shout out on facebook!
Erin @ DIY On the Cheap says
This looks yummy! Perfect for a summer get together. I’ll definitely have to try this!
Helena says
I love this recipe. Have used it at BBQs 3 times now, and each time it was a great success. It’s really easy and can be prepped in advance. I roasted the cherry tomatoes in the oven for 20 mins before throwing in the salad though to add a bit more flavour.
Allyson says
Wow, that sounds like a great idea! I will have to try that next time! Thanks for sharing!