Pesto Pasta Salad is written by me on behalf of Barilla. All opinions are entirely my own.
Once the weather warms up, I’m all about light and easy meals that take very little time in the kitchen. I would much rather be outside working in my flower garden or watching the grandkids play baseball. Pesto Pasta Salad is delicious and convenient when we need a quick, nutritious meal before heading outside.
My Pesto Pasta Salad begins with Barilla Ready Pasta. It’s cooked in the microwave and is ready in only 60 seconds.
I love that Barilla Ready Pasta is made with three simple ingredients – sea salt, olive oil, and pasta. Each package is two servings, which is the perfect size for my husband and me. Whenever I have company over, I just double or triple the recipe.
My husband and I try to follow the Mediterranean Diet because we can enjoy pasta in reasonable quantities. I’m impressed that Barilla stands for the joy of healthy and pleasurable eating and that they believe true Italian pasta is the best recipe for good living. So do I!
Helpful Hint: You can find Barilla Ready Pasta and Barilla Basil Pesto Sauce in the pasta aisle at your local Walmart.
Now – Let’s make Pesto Pasta Salad in less than 10 minutes!
Pesto Pasta Salad
Toast pine nuts in a small pan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
Cook Barilla Ready Pasta in the microwave according to the package directions.
Chop the basil and halve the tomatoes while the pasta is cooking.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, pesto, tomatoes, broccoli, and basil.
Top with pine nuts before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 package Barilla Ready Pasta (Rotini)
- 1/4 cup Barilla Traditional Basil Pesto
- 2 Tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 6 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 teaspoon chopped basil leaves
Instructions
- Toast pine nuts in a small pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often or shaking pan until golden.
- Cook pasta according to directions on the package.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, pesto, tomatoes, steamed broccoli and basil. Stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts before serving.
I’m such a pasta lover and thanks to Barilla Ready Pasta and the Mediterranean Diet, we enjoy Pesto Pasta Salad all year long. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and ready in less than 1o minutes. My husband says it’s a winner and I totally agree.
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Pasta salad is great for gatherings but the only thing I hate is boiling the pasta. I will have to look for this Barilla Ready Pasta at my grocery store and give it a try. Oh and love the pesta spin on your recipe Alli.
Tomi C recently posted…Bedtime for Baby 10, 9, 8…Owls Up Late!
It is great that you follow the Mediterranian Diet it has been shown to be so healthy. This pasta pesto salad looks so tasty and all healthy ingredients. I need to make it soon.
Melissa Chapman recently posted…4 things I wish someone told me about parenting BIG KIDS
You had me at make this in less than 10 minutes! If I can make a meal in less than 10 minutes that is healthy and filling and taste great I am all for it. I cannot wait to try this.
I’m all about that pasta salad! It’s definitely something that I can easily make especially since it only takes 10 minutes. I also love recipes like this during Spring and Summer cause they’re light and fresh!
Carol Cassara recently posted…What’s your most embarrassing moment?
I love that this pasta is already cooked and swimming in some yummy pesto sauce! This is definitely a good go-to meal when you don’t have a lot of time to cook!
Karen Morse recently posted…Styling your Home with Salvaged Items (& giveaway!)
I am going to try this. We love pasta salad here. It’s the perfect side dish!
Amber Myers recently posted…Why Girls Love Justice
There is nothing like a good pasta salad and I bet the pesto adds such an absolutely wonderful flavour to this!
Sarah Bailey recently posted…Etsy Wishlist – April 2018
This is making me want summer to arrive faster! I love the crunch of pine nuts in dishes like this. Pesto makes a great flavor!
So convenient and easy! I’m going to be on the look out for this pasta! It looks really awesome and you can do so many recipes with it too! Thanks for the quick and easy pesto pasta salad!
Alison Rost recently posted…The Easiest Baked Eggs With Veggies (Your New Favorite Breakfast)
Wow in only under 10 minutes is very impressive. I will be able to do this in the mornings to pack for my lunch for that day. Thank you!
Hannah Mitchell recently posted…The Ultimate Way To Enjoy Your Yard This Summer
I need to try this! Looks so good and I know I won’t get any complaints from my family! So win!
I love cooking with pesto. It is such an underrated ingredient!
Kita Bryant recently posted…I don’t have a curated feed….and I don’t care anymore
This is an awesome dish for picnics. Pasta salad is always a smart choice; love the pesto!
Sara Welch recently posted…I don’t have a curated feed….and I don’t care anymore
This pasta salad sounds delicious! I haven’t tried that pasta yet but I need to! It looks so easy to use!!
Ricci recently posted…Friday Five No. 50 #RoyallyObsessed
I have to say I love pesto, and your pasta salad looks so good! I have seen this pasta on a commercial, and I totally wondered how it turned out. I’ll have to get some!
This sounds absolutely amazing! I love PEsto! We put it on pasta at least once a week!
I’m such a huge pesto fan! I definitely have to try this. It looks so yummy!
Heather recently posted…Don’t Forget the Felon in the Backseat
This looks absolutely delicious.. have to try it!
I love easy, quick and healthy meals. Pesto pasta is a family favorite, thank you, Alli, for sharing this! 🙂