Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

This pesto pasta salad is about to be your new obsession. It’s loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, arugula, and the creamiest two-ingredient sauce.

I am happy to announce I have a new favorite pasta salad. I know this may not seem like a statement worthy of great enthusiasm but I am quite confident you’ll change your mind when you try it. Talk to me then. And honestly if you don’t get excited about food what are you even doing here? That is what this space is for. (I’ll also allow enthusiasm for coffee and good books.)

But about this pasta! This Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad has a short ingredient list (let’s keep things simple, shall we?) and very big flavor. While it’s delightful as an entree, I especially love it as a side dish. If you invite me to your house for a cookout there’s a 100% chance I’m bringing this and there’s also a 100% chance I’ll be taking the bowl home empty.

Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

• Bowtie pasta: I prefer bowtie pasta (also known as farfelle) in this pasta salad but rotini or penne will also work well.
• Arugula: The pepperiness adds a freshness to our pasta.
• Mozzarella pearls: Mozzarella pearls are small mozzarella balls. If you have a hard time finding them in your grocery store you can use a larger mozzarella ball and slice into smaller pieces.
• Parmesan: Parmesan has a nutty flavor that’s so yummy in this pasta salad. While it comes in several forms, shaved parmesan has a paper-like texture that really adds something to this dish.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: I recommend using the julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes. They come in a jar and they’re mixed with oil.
• Mayo: Use regular mayo or a light mayo. Both work well in the creamy dressing we’re creating here. You can also sub plain unsweetened greek yogurt if you prefer.
• Pesto: Use your favorite store-bought pesto to keep things super simple!

How to Make Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta per package instructions.

Drain water from pasta and place cooked pasta in a large bowl. Stir in arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and parmesan.

In a smaller bowl stir together mayo and pesto.

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Stir until well combined.

Refrigerate the finished pasta until you’re ready to serve. Before serving, give it a good stir so the dressing isn’t settled on the bottom.

What Pesto is Best to Use?

Use any store-bought pesto you enjoy. You can find it in the grocery store aisle located by other pasta sauces plus there are usually a few brands in the refrigerated section by the bagged pasta.

Can You Make This Pasta Salad in Advance?

Yes! Just like with all pasta salads, the flavors get more pronounced as it sits so making this a few hours before you plan to enjoy it is a good idea (but not mandatory). It’s also so good the next day! Refrigerate in an airtight container. Give it a good stir before serving.

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