Pesto Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Name: Pesto Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian American
Ingredients: 1 pound bowtie pasta (dry); 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes; 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil - cut into ribbons; 1/2 cup diced sundried tomatoes (packed in oil); 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1/2 cup walnut halves & pieces; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 11 reviews

This pesto pasta salad with sundried tomatoes is my go-to side dish for summer cookouts and easy weeknight dinners. And even better, it comes together in just 30 minutes! It's simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Pesto pasta salad with sundried tomatoes in a serving bowl, on a wooden cutting board, with large gold metal serving spoons.

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Ingredients Needed
Recipe Instructions with Photos
Pairing Ideas
Optional Add-Ins
Storage Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Pesto Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
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💬 Comments

Pesto pasta salad is one of my favorite summer side dishes, but honestly, I make it year-round! If you’ve been around here a while, you know I’m a little pesto-obsessed. And this recipe is just one example!

It starts with your favorite pasta tossed in pesto, cherry tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, and chopped walnuts, then finished with fresh basil and parmesan. It's seriously so simple and so good.

Love pesto as much as I do? Try these pesto-crusted salmon and sun-dried tomato pesto chicken recipes next!

Ingredients Needed

Short Pasta – Use your favorite short noodle here. Bowtie, fusilli, penne, or shells all work well.
Sundried Tomatoes – Packed with rich, savory flavor. I use the kind packed in olive oil, but if you buy the dry kind (in a bag), just rehydrate them in warm water first and then drizzle with olive oil.
Grated Parmesan – This recipe uses a full cup. It adds salty flavor and a bit of texture that clings to the pasta and soaks up some of the oil.
Fresh Basil – A summer must! Skip the fridge and store it like flowers: trim the stems and keep it in a glass of water on your counter.
Basil Pesto – Homemade is great if you have the ingredients on hand. I usually keep a jar of DeLallo Simply Pesto in the pantry. It’s easy to grab and has great flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes – They add brightness and a little sweetness.
Walnuts – Just a handful of chopped walnuts adds a soft crunch and earthy contrast to the pesto.

Recipe Instructions with Photos

This easy pesto pasta salad recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and can be made a day ahead or right before serving. There's minimal prep work and no fuss. My kind of dish!

Cook your pasta.
Chop up the cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Mix all of the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
Chill before serving if desired or serve immediately. It's up to you!
Enjoy!

All of the ingredients needed to make pesto pasta sundried tomato salad in a large mixing bowl, ready to be mixed.

Pesto pasta salad mixed in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

Pairing Ideas

Pesto pasta salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains and sides, making it perfect for summer gatherings or easy weeknight dinners. Here are some delicious ideas:

Blackened Chicken Thighs
Smashed Turkey Burgers
Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Skewers
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Marinade

Optional Add-Ins

I think any of the following additions would be delicious in this pasta salad. Versatility is one of the reasons why I love making it!

Veggies - Red peppers, roasted eggplant, or kalamata olives.
Protein - Grilled shrimp or chicken.
Cheese - Freshly shredded mozzarella or mozzarella pearls.

Storage Instructions

Store this sun-dried tomato pesto pasta salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This can be made up to a day in advance of serving. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What else can I use my leftover jar of pesto for?

You could add a layer of pesto to any sandwich or wrap. Top roasted chicken or broiled fish with a dollop of pesto. Many of my recipes call for a pesto mayo spread, like this Caprese Chicken Sandwich. You could also use it as a marinade for veggies or chicken.

Is this pasta salad good served cold?

Yes! It’s best served at room temperature or cold, making it perfect for cookouts, picnics, or meal prep lunches. As an added bonus, it's mayo-free!

What can I use instead of walnuts?

Pine nuts, slivered almonds, or even sunflower seeds make great substitutes. Or skip the nuts entirely if there's an allergy.

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