Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

As the temperatures rise and summer gatherings come into full swing, pasta salads emerge as a staple at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to serve a crowd make them a popular choice for outdoor festivities. Among the myriad of pasta salad options, the Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad stands out as a vibrant and delicious dish that captures the essence of summer flavors. This salad not only pleases the palate but also provides a visually appealing centerpiece for any gathering.

This Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for summer gatherings, offering a vibrant blend of flavors that will impress your guests. Made with rotini pasta, fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, and tangy cheeses, it's as delicious as it is colorful. The creamy pesto dressing ties it all together, making every bite a delight. Easy to prepare in advance, this salad is a must-have for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. Discover the joy of summer dining with this tasty recipe that will become a favorite!

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Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup creamy dressing (like ranch or Greek yogurt dressing)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to cool it down and halt the cooking process.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, take a large mixing bowl and add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and sliced black olives. Gently toss to combine and set aside.

Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pesto and creamy dressing until smooth and well combined. For a thinner dressing, you can gradually incorporate a drizzle of olive oil or a small amount of water until your desired consistency is reached.

Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the prepared vegetables. Pour the pesto dressing over the mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.

Add Cheese & Season: Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and toss lightly once more to combine.

Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serve & Garnish: Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the ingredients. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an eye-catching presentation and an aromatic touch.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | Serves 4-6