Easiest Way to Make Perfect Pesto pasta salad

Pesto pasta salad. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, or according to package directions. Add a few tablespoons of pasta water to thin the pesto to evenly coat the pasta. Make sure the water is salted (one and a half teaspoons per quart).

They're easy yet delicious and come together quickly, plus they don't require much heat. Adding an easy homemade pesto to pasta salad elevates it to much more than a picnic or barbecue side. An easy side dish that's perfect for a potluck or picnic. You can have Pesto pasta salad using 8 ingredients and 6 steps. Here is how you achieve that.

Ingredients of Pesto pasta salad

It's 1/2 lb of pasta.
You need 3/4 cup of prepared pesto.
You need 1/4 cup of chopped red onion.
You need 1 cup of chopped/crumbled feta.
Prepare 1/4 cup of crasins.
You need 1/2 cup of chopped broccoli.
You need 1/2 cup of almonds toasted.
It's 1 of optional-roasted chicken for the must eat meat folks.

Pesto pasta salad is a must have for all of your summer gatherings. If you have time, try DIY pesto! Process or blend until desired consistency. Then drain it and rinse in cold water.

Pesto pasta salad step by step

Cook pasta. Best options include bowtie but anything works from orzo to elbow.
Chop onion and broccoli add to bowl.
Add feta and crasins.
Add pesto and hot pasta mix well adding a bit more pesto to taste..
Serve warm add toasted almonds to each serving.
If you must roasted chicken can be added for meat eaters..

Cover and refrigerate pasta until cold. Make the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk with the rest of the pesto. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and generously season with salt. How to Make Pesto Pasta Salad. I know most people don't like to cook during the hot summer months, but don't worry, this pasta salad doesn't require a lot of cooking.