Easy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe for Entertaining

This easy pesto pasta salad is perfect for entertaining and potluck parties. It’s a great side dish for summer cookouts or weeknight dinner, and it’s loaded with healthy ingredients. Add this to your list of summer entertaining ideas.

Serve this side dish recipe for entertaining at Potlucks, Cookouts, and Casual dinner parties

You’re going to love this veggie pesto pasta salad. It’s delicious and it’s packed with healthy ingredients like bell peppers, white beans, and whole wheat pasta.

This is a great salad for summer parties because it’s made with pesto instead of a creamy base. Most everyone I know loves pesto so this is a real crowd please’r.

You can also make it ahead for easy planning. Mix it up the night before or the morning before the party, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Here are more pasta salad recipes to try

• My classic pasta salad recipe is a family favorite.
• This pasta salad with brocolli & peanuts has a Thai flavor twist that’s irresistible.
• My Thai noodles with shrimp is packed with FANTASTIC flavors and textures. Make it with or without the shrimp to serve as an entree or a side dish.
• Another crowd favorite is the Asian style peanut noodle salad. 
• And as a bonus, if you like the sliced peppers in this recipe you may love them in this marinated green bean salad too. 

How to make easy pesto pasta salad

1. Start by sauteing the peppers on the stove top just until slightly softened. You want to maintain the crunch for a snappy texture. Go ahead and cook the pasta while the peppers are cooling.
2. Drain and rinse the beans using a strainer and warm water. This gets rid of the extra sodium/salt added in the canning process.
3. Finally, combine the pesto with all the ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate so all the flavors have time to combine. Give it one more stir before serving.

The addition of beans add a bit of protein and fiber to balance out the nutrition. Plus, the wheat pasta and fresh vegetables adds even more! 

HOSTESS TIP: Add in some roasted shredded chicken to turn this into a meat packed entree for a ladies luncheon.

Veggie Pesto Pasta Salad

Yield: 10 servings

Add this easy and delicious pesto pasta salad to your list of side dishes for entertaining. You get lots of texture, flavor, and even veggies in this pasta salad recipe.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 cups (dry) Whole Wheat Pasta {spirals, farfalle, elbows, or penne}, cooked al dente
• 1 EACH red and yellow bell pepper
• 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 7 oz. jar prepared pesto
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 Tablespoon Olive oil

Instructions

1. Cut peppers into strips and toss with olive oil until lightly covered. Saute peppers over medium heat for about 5 minutes until tender, but not soft.
2. Add peppers to cooked pasta, along with beans and pesto. Toss to combine well.
3. Stir in cheese, cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving so flavors can marry.