This pesto pasta salad is hands-down the easiest pasta salad you will ever make. With just four ingredients and hardly any cooking time, this is a summer recipe you will make time and time again!

I love to make pesto pasta salad for BBQ’s, picnics, easy weekday lunches, or really anytime! Kids and adults both love this easy and delicious dish, and it has been a favorite in my family for years. Back when my girls played tennis, I’d bring this to their matches for them and their friends to enjoy!

This pasta salad has a bright, refreshing flavor from the pesto and tomatoes to the delicious crunch of the cucumbers. I love to serve this as a side dish or add grilled chicken for extra protein and serve it as a main dish!

What Kind of Pesto Should I Use? 

Fresh basil pesto is the star of this recipe, so be sure to use a pesto you love the taste of! Pesto is made by pulsing together fresh basil leaves, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, and pine nuts in a food processor, and it adds a bright, nutty flavor to this recipe. You are welcome to make homemade basil pesto, but I have found store-bought pesto works just as well and saves so much time in the kitchen!

How Do I Make This Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe? 

The instructions for this recipe could not be simpler! Simply boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to the directions on the package to al dente. Drain the pasta and pour it in a large bowl. Slice your cucumbers and fresh cherry tomatoes, and season with kosher salt and pepper. While the pasta is still warm, add in your pesto and stir together. Next, toss in your veggies and enjoy! I’ve found this is even better after it sits in the fridge for a day, so feel free to serve immediately or prep ahead of time. 

What Kind of Pasta Works Best?

You can use whatever pasta you prefer, but I prefer to use penne noodles for this recipe. Farfalle (bowtie pasta) or fusilli would also work well. If you are gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta but be wary of overcooking it since gluten-free pastas can quickly become too gummy in texture. 

Can I Add Other Veggies To This Pasta Salad? 

You can absolutely add different vegetables to this recipe! I love cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, but feel free to add diced bell pepper, arugula, spinach, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or any other add-ins you love! This is also delicious with mozzarella pearls or feta cheese. 

How Should I Serve This Recipe? 

I love to serve this pesto pasta salad with a protein, such as:

• Crispy Chicken Cutlets
• Easy and Delicious Crispy Salmon
• Air Fried Parmesan Chicken Tenders
• Quick And Easy-to-Make Italian Meatballs

For a balanced meal, you can also enjoy this with a salad, like my copycat of North Italia’s Tuscan Kale Salad or my Kale Caesar Salad.

Watch Me Make Pesto Pasta Salad: