Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad with Store Bought Pesto (Sip Bite Go)
Learn how to make creamy pesto pasta salad with store bought pesto. One of my favorite make ahead salad recipes is this easy pesto pasta. It takes just 20 minutes! Once you try my recipe for pesto pasta salad using store bought pesto, you'll be hooked. To make this creamy pasta salad, you'll use penne pasta, pesto, smoked mozzarella, mayo, sun dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Substitute tortellini if you'd like!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Creamy pesto pasta salad, make-ahead salad, penne pasta salad, pesto pasta salad
Boil penne pasta as directed to al dente. Strain and drizzle with olive oil so pasta doesn’t stick together.
Combine mayo and store bought pesto. Mix pesto dressing with pasta.
Add diced sun-dried tomatoes and smoked mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine ingredients. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Video
Notes
You can cook the pasta ahead of time. Cook pasta to a perfect al dente, and be sure to coat it with a little olive oil so the pasta doesn't stick.
Use a tube or spiral pasta (penne, fusilli or rigatoni). Or try tortellini.
Experiment with different ingredients. Add grilled chicken for protein. Try artichokes, red onion, peas, sliced grape tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, chickpeas or zucchini.
The pasta salad will last a couple days in the fridge. Preserve some dressing to add if the pasta gets dry while storing it.
Want a low fat option? Make your own pesto and use pumpkin seeds in place of pine nuts. First, soak the pumpkin seads in warm water overnight, then substitute them for your favorite pesto recipe.