Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

Full of tomatoes, artichokes, peas, and topped with a creamy pesto sauce; this Creamy Pesto Pasta salad is sure to be a favorite!

Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad is perfect for dinner, BBQs, pot lucks, or a quick lunch. Using store bought pesto can save time, but making it homemade is super delicious too. Make this salad the night before serving it, then refrigerate it and serve the next day; the flavor is amazing!

How to make Creamy Pesto Pasta:

**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**

• While the pasta is boiling, prepare the creamy pesto sauce, and prep the vegetables.
• Mix everything in a large bowl, making sure everything is coated in the sauce, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • TIP:  Use a stock pot to cook your pasta, then mix everything in the same big pot.

How to make Homemade Pesto:

I have a great homemade pesto sauce recipe on Domestic Superhero, but it's very simple:

• 1 cup basil leaves, 1 TBS olive oil, 2 TBS pine nuts (or any nuts work well), 2 TBS parmesan cheese, pinch of salt and pepper.
• Place everything into a food processor, then process until combined. Scrape down the sides, then pulse a few seconds more. Store in a closed container in the refrigerator.

Can I switch the vegetables in this pesto pasta salad?

Of course! I like using tomatoes, peas, and artichokes in the this creamy pesto pasta, but if you don't like a certain component, you can always substitute it with something else or leave it out.  That's the thing with pasta salad, you can pretty much throw whatever you want into it, and it will turn out delicious!

Can I add meat to this recipe?

YES! I would suggest adding shredded chicken. It would add protein to the recipe and some bulkiness if you are serving the salad as the main course. You could also serve this alongside Air Fryer Chicken Tenders and leave the meat on the side.

What to serve with Pesto Pasta Salad:

• Buffalo Chicken Tacos would be a great main course and the pesto pasta salad would make a great side dish.
• Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings are simple and would be great alongside this fresh pasta salad.
• Air Fryer Hot Dogs or Air Fryer Hamburgers would be the perfect summer meal to serve with this pasta!
• Air Fryer Fish with a side of pasta salad!
• Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Black Bean Burgers are deliciously cheesy, spicy hot, and protein packed black bean burgers! Perfect for the meatless grill option!
• Spicy Black Bean Avocado Burgers are spicy yet sweetened up with delicious honey BBQ sauce! Topped with a fresh avocado and pepper jack cheese - these are the perfect burgers!
• Spicy Black Bean Hawaiian BBQ Burgers will be a hit at your next BBQ, and even the meat eaters will be asking for this recipe!

If you like summer pasta salads as much as me, try these other recipes:

• Tuna Pasta Salad (Lightened Up)
• Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
• Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Pesto Caprese Potato Salad