{"id":357428,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-26T00:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/"},"modified":"2024-10-21T14:45:54","modified_gmt":"2024-10-21T19:45:54","slug":"garden-pesto-pasta-salad","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/","title":{"rendered":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Pesto pasta salad is easily one of my favorite summery side dishes. It\u2019s healthy, super easy to make and bursting with flavor, providing the perfect complement to grilled meats, veggies, and other salads. Learn how to make the most flavorful pesto pasta salad, and prepare to be the star of every picnic and potluck this summer.<\/p>\n<h2>Garden Pesto Pasta Salad Ingredients<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2022739 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/TOHD24_193248_PestoPastaSalad_EmilyJDavis_Ingredients_Social.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Pesto Pasta Salad\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Spiral pasta:<\/b> Using spiral pasta here helps hold the sauce better.<\/li>\n<li><b>Pesto: <\/b>It provides a nutty and herbaceous taste. Add fresh pesto for the best-tasting pasta salad.<\/li>\n<li><b>White wine vinegar:<\/b> The acidity in white wine vinegar balances the flavors in the pesto dressing.<\/li>\n<li><b>Lemon juice:<\/b> Lemon helps brighten up the overall flavor of this dish.<\/li>\n<li><b>Olive oil:<\/b> Don\u2019t substitute other oils here if you can help it; olive oil has the most flavor.<\/li>\n<li><b>Zucchini:<\/b> Zucchini helps ramp up the nutritional value of your pesto pasta salad.<\/li>\n<li><b>Sweet red pepper:<\/b> You could add or substitute any number of veggies here, but sweet red pepper adds a nice sweetness and crunch to this salad.<\/li>\n<li><b>Tomato:<\/b> Tomatoes are one of those fruits that are much better fresh than store-bought. Buy your tomatoes from the farmer&#8217;s market if you can.<\/li>\n<li><b>Red onion:<\/b> Slice your red onion as thinly as possible, as this will yield a more mild onion flavor (chopped onions are too strong).<\/li>\n<li><b>Parmesan:<\/b> If you want to make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Directions<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: <b>Boil the pasta<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2022740 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/TOHD24_193248_PestoPastaSalad_EmilyJDavis_Step1_Social.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Pesto Pasta Salad\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Cook pasta according to the package directions and drain. Be sure to reserve one cup of pasta water. Then rinse the pasta with cold water (this helps prevent the noodles from sticking together).<\/p>\n<p><i>Editor\u2019s Tip:<\/i> Always reserve your pasta water! Adding a bit of pasta water to your dish helps bind the sauce to the noodles.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: <b>Make the sauce<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2022741 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/TOHD24_193248_PestoPastaSalad_EmilyJDavis_Step2_Social.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Pesto Pasta Salad\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Whisk together the pesto, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil until the mixture is blended.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: <b>Combine the vegetables and pasta<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2022742 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/TOHD24_193248_PestoPastaSalad_EmilyJDavis_Step3_Social.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Pesto Pasta Salad\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Now combine the vegetables and pasta and drizzle everything with the pesto dressing. Toss to coat, and add a tiny splash of the reserved pasta water if necessary to thin the sauce out.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: <b>Refrigerate and serve<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2022743 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/TOHD24_193248_PestoPastaSalad_EmilyJDavis_Step4_Social.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Pesto Pasta Salad\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Refrigerate the pasta, covered, for about one hour. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.<\/p>\n<h2>Pesto Pasta Salad Variations<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2023570\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/TOHD24_193248_PestoPastaSalad_EmilyJDavis_Featured2_Social.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Pesto Pasta Salad\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Add different veggies: <\/b>The great thing about pesto pasta salad is its versatility. You could add virtually any vegetable here, from broccoli to mushrooms and peas. Fresh greens (like arugula or spinach) and black olives are also tasty in this dish.<\/li>\n<li><b>Top with pine nuts:<\/b>\u00a0Toasted pine nuts make for a delicious topping on this salad.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How can I store my pesto pasta salad?<\/h2>\n<p>Properly store your pesto pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to four days.<\/p>\n<h2>Pesto Pasta Salad Tips<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2022748 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/TOHD24_193248_PestoPastaSalad_EmilyJDavis_Featured_Social-1.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Pesto Pasta Salad\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">EMILY DAVIS for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Can I use homemade pesto in this pasta salad?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes! Using homemade pesto will kick this dish up a notch.\u00a0 Making pesto is a simple process as long as you have a few key ingredients: basil, fresh garlic, Parmesan (or another type of salty, aged Italian cheese. Pecorino also works well), olive oil and pine nuts (you could also use walnuts, almonds or pretty much any other type of nut).<\/p>\n<h3>What can I serve with pesto pasta salad?<\/h3>\n<p>Pesto pasta salad goes great with grilled fish, chicken or a lettuce-based salad. You could also add a few more veggies and chickpeas to the pasta to make it more nutritious and serve it as a main dish. Cubed salami makes a great addition if you want to add a little meat.<\/p>\n<h3>How far ahead can I make pesto pasta salad before serving it?<\/h3>\n<p>Like other cold pasta salad recipes, this pesto pasta salad will taste better if you prepare it a few hours in advance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My family and I live on a homestead in the Missouri Ozarks and produce much of our own food. In the summer, when the garden is bursting with fresh vegetables and it\u2019s too hot to cook, I like to use the season&#8217;s veggies for pesto pasta salad and other cool meals. \u2014Sarah Mathews, Ava, Missouri<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8015,"featured_media":2122276,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304173,304328,305271,304998,305487,304338,305334,304988,305004,303887,306848,305353,304297,304268,307514,307723,324623,306571,307738,304150,303883,307614,305031,307815],"categories-v2":[309455,308984,309216,308945,310796,308992,309337,308935,308951,308478,309603,309362,312516,308308,259483,310497,312510,310685,309177,312458,310702,309434,308476,312574,310591,308975,310779],"coauthors":[343392],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Pesto Shrimp Pasta","post_link":"\/recipes\/pesto-shrimp-pasta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Pesto-Shrimp-Pasta_EXPS_FT24_26010_ST_0423_2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pesto Tortellini Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/pesto-tortellini-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Pesto-Tortellini-Salad_EXPS_TOHD24_277615_JuliaHartbeck_4.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Pasta-Salad_EXPS_TOHVP24_276085_MF_03_13_2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Veggie Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/veggie-spiral-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EXPS_TOH24_31433_EmilyJDavis_007.jpg"},{"post_title":"Garden Tomato Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/garden-tomato-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps75468_SD153322D04_08_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pesto Quinoa Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/pesto-quinoa-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Pesto-Quinoa-Salad_EXPS_HCK17_189307_D08_12_1b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pesto Vegetable Pizza","post_link":"\/recipes\/pesto-vegetable-pizza\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Pesto-Vegetable-Pizza_EXPS_QEBZ20_26064_E01_24_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Garden Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/garden-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pesto Pizza","post_link":"\/recipes\/pesto-pizza\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Pesto-Pizza_EXPS_TOHVP23_275264_MF_11_29_PestoPizza_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Spinach Pesto","post_link":"\/recipes\/spinach-pesto\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Spinach-Pesto_EXPS_TOHD24_44388_AbbeyLittlejohn_4.jpg"},{"post_title":"Easy Pesto Pasta","post_link":"\/recipes\/easy-pesto-pasta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Easy-Pesto-Pasta_EXPS_FT23_274174_ST_6_23_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pasta Vegetable Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/pasta-vegetable-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps22439_QC10478D6A.jpg"},{"post_title":"Garden Vegetable Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/garden-vegetable-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Garden-Vegetable-Pasta-Salad_exps123354_TH1999637C03_31_3b_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Vegetable Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-vegetable-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps11708_RDS1049402D23.jpg"},{"post_title":"Tossed Italian Garden Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/tossed-italian-garden-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps12576_TH10123C31D.jpg"},{"post_title":"Garden Vegetable Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/garden-vegetable-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps5007_RM1353C45A.jpg"},{"post_title":"Vegetable Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/vegetable-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps775_TH1424C39D.jpg"},{"post_title":"Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/creamy-vegetable-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps14361_TGZ1081940C142.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Garden Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-garden-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps38246_TH1443685D18.jpg"},{"post_title":"Artichoke Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/artichoke-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps28684_QC10596D46B.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/EXPS_TOHD24_193248_EmilyJDavis_006.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/","name":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2024-08-07","prepTime":"PT15M","cookTime":"PT0M","totalTime":"PT15M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/EXPS_TOHD24_193248_EmilyJDavis_006.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Lunch"],"description":"This delicious pesto pasta salad makes for one mighty tasty side (or main) dish.","recipeIngredient":["3 cups uncooked spiral pasta (about 9 ounces)","1 cup prepared pesto","3 tablespoons white wine vinegar","1 tablespoon lemon juice","1\/2 teaspoon salt","1\/4 teaspoon pepper","1\/4 cup olive oil","1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced","1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped","1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped","1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced","1\/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Boil the pasta","text":"Cook pasta according to the package directions and drain. Be sure to reserve one cup of pasta water. Then rinse the pasta with cold water (this helps prevent the noodles from sticking together). Editor\u2019s Tip: Always reserve your pasta water! Adding a bit of pasta water to your dish helps bind the sauce to the noodles.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/TOHD24_193248_PestoPastaSalad_EmilyJDavis_Step1_Social.jpg?resize=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the sauce","text":"Whisk together the pesto, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil until the mixture is blended.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/TOHD24_193248_PestoPastaSalad_EmilyJDavis_Step2_Social.jpg?resize=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Combine the vegetables and pasta","text":"Now combine the vegetables and pasta and drizzle everything with the pesto dressing. Toss to coat, and add a tiny splash of the reserved pasta water if necessary to thin the sauce out.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/TOHD24_193248_PestoPastaSalad_EmilyJDavis_Step3_Social.jpg?resize=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Refrigerate and serve","text":"Refrigerate the pasta, covered, for about one hour. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/TOHD24_193248_PestoPastaSalad_EmilyJDavis_Step4_Social.jpg?resize=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"10 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Justine Harrington"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 267 calories","fatContent":"17g fat (3g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"5mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"431mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"24g carbohydrate (2g sugars","fiberContent":"2g fiber)","proteinContent":"6g protein. <b>Diabetic Exchanges<\/b>: 3 fat"},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":3.25,"reviewCount":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"Europe, Italian","review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-08-06","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"OliveCoathanger"},"reviewBody":"I enjoyed this dressing; it was easy to make, and the recipe seems versatile so that other vegetables could be added depending on what you have on hand.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-06-09","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"PurplePumpkin"},"reviewBody":"Made this for a church luncheon and everyone loved it. The pesto adds sooo    much flavor","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-05-25","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"PurpleLeaf"},"reviewBody":"I, too, found this salad missing something.  It was rather bland.  I threw some creamy caesar dressing on the leftovers and they were yummy.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-07-20","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GreenAirBalloon"},"reviewBody":"We did not like this at all, it was lacking something.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":1,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"193248","romance_copy_dek":"This delicious pesto pasta salad makes for one mighty tasty side (or main) dish.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 cups uncooked spiral pasta (about 9 ounces)","IngredientText":"3 cups uncooked spiral pasta (about 9 ounces)"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup prepared pesto","IngredientText":"1 cup prepared pesto"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 tablespoons white wine vinegar","IngredientText":"3 tablespoons white wine vinegar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 tablespoon lemon juice","IngredientText":"1 tablespoon lemon juice"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon salt","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon salt"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon pepper","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon pepper"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 cup olive oil","IngredientText":"1\/4 cup olive oil"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced","IngredientText":"1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped","IngredientText":"1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped","IngredientText":"1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced","IngredientText":"1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/EXPS_TOHD24_193248_EmilyJDavis_006.jpg","RecipeId":193248,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"EXPS_TOHD24_193248_EmilyJDavis_006.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Sarah","Lastname":"Mathews","City":"Ava","StateDescription":"Missouri","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep: 15 min. + chilling","MinimumServingQuantity":10,"MaximumServingQuantity":10,"Yield":"10 servings.","DigitalTitle":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad","SubmittedTitle":"Summer Garden Pasta Salad","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":3.25,"WebPublishedDate":"1\/1\/2018 12:00:00 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_THJJ17_193248_D02_09_4b.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":15,"CookTimeInMinutes":0,"TotalTimeInMinutes":15,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad","OriginalSourceProject":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":"This summery pesto pasta salad is chock-full of fresh garden vegetables. Store-bought pesto is easiest, but homemade works just as well.","DigitalHeadnotes":"My family and I live on a homestead in the Missouri Ozarks and produce much of our own food. In the summer, when the garden is bursting with fresh vegetables and it\u2019s too hot to cook, I like to use the season's veggies for pesto pasta salad and other cool meals. \u2014Sarah Mathews, Ava, Missouri","FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water and drain well.","SequenceNo":1},{"Direction":"   Meanwhile, whisk together pesto, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil until blended.","SequenceNo":2},{"Direction":"   Combine vegetables and pasta. Drizzle with pesto dressing; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, until cold, about 1 hour. Serve with Parmesan cheese.","SequenceNo":3}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[],"Course":[{"Name":"Course","ID":0},{"Name":"Cold Pasta Salad Recipes","ID":97298},{"Name":"Garden Salads","ID":94918},{"Name":"Italian Pasta Salads","ID":97302},{"Name":"Pasta Salads","ID":94946},{"Name":"Salads","ID":94286},{"Name":"Vegetable Salad Recipes","ID":94990},{"Name":"Vegetarian Recipes","ID":94306},{"Name":"Vegetarian Salad Recipes","ID":95190}],"Cuisine":[{"Name":"Cuisine","ID":0},{"Name":"Asian Recipes","ID":89444},{"Name":"Asian Salad Recipes","ID":89456},{"Name":"Asian Vegetarian Recipes","ID":89468},{"Name":"Cuisine","ID":0},{"Name":"Indian Recipes","ID":89660},{"Name":"Italian Recipes","ID":89684},{"Name":"Italian Salad Recipes","ID":89716},{"Name":"Italian Vegetarian Recipes","ID":89732}],"HealthyEating":[],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[],"Ingredients":[{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":0},{"Name":"Citrus Fruits","ID":102001},{"Name":"Onions","ID":102029},{"Name":"Pasta Recipes","ID":100653},{"Name":"Pasta Salad Recipes","ID":100981},{"Name":"Sweet Peppers","ID":102053},{"Name":"Zucchini Recipes","ID":100661},{"Name":"Zucchini Salad","ID":101001}],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[{"Name":"Publication","ID":0},{"Name":"All Taste Recipes Magazine Recipes","ID":107457},{"Name":"Taste Recipes Magazine Recipes","ID":107265},{"Name":"Taste Recipes Magazine Salad Recipes","ID":107493},{"Name":"Taste Recipes Magazine Vegetarian Recipes","ID":107513}],"WinningRecipes":[],"Tags":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":304328},{"Name":"Easy","ID":304338},{"Name":"Cuisines","ID":305271},{"Name":"Europe","ID":305334},{"Name":"Italian","ID":305353},{"Name":"Dishes & Beverages","ID":305487},{"Name":"Salads","ID":306571},{"Name":"Health & Wellness","ID":304988},{"Name":"Diabetic","ID":304998},{"Name":"Healthy Eating","ID":305004},{"Name":"Vegetarian","ID":305031},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Pasta","ID":307514},{"Name":"Peppers","ID":307723},{"Name":"Sweet Red Peppers","ID":307738},{"Name":"Vegetables","ID":307614},{"Name":"Zucchinis","ID":307815},{"Name":"Meal Types","ID":304268},{"Name":"Lunch","ID":304297},{"Name":"Techniques","ID":304150},{"Name":"Chilling","ID":304173},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":16,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"3\/4 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. <b>Diabetic Exchanges<\/b>: 3 fat, 1-1\/2 starch.","NoOfRatings":4,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/EXPS_TOHD24_193248_EmilyJDavis_006.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/EXPS_TOHD24_193248_EmilyJDavis_006.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":true,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[{"TipType":"Test Kitchen Tips (Q&A)","TipTitle":"Pesto Pasta Salad Tips","TipText":"<h3>Can you use homemade pesto in this pasta salad?<\/h3>If you've got the extra time or some basil to put to use, feel free to use homemade pesto in place of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-store-bought-pesto-brands\/\">store-bought pesto<\/a> when making pasta salad. If you want to get creative, try using a different pesto such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/spinach-pesto-recipe\/\">spinach pesto<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/arugula-pesto-recipe\/\">arugula pesto<\/a> or even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/kale-sauce\/\">kale pesto<\/a>. No matter what variation you make, our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-make-pesto\/\">how to make pesto<\/a> provides all the tips and tricks you could need to make the vibrant green sauce at home.  <h3>What other mix-ins can you add to pesto pasta salad?<\/h3>Other Mediterranean ingredients like finely chopped roasted red peppers, black olives, sliced cucumber and fresh mozzarella pearls would all be lovely and flavorful additions to pesto pasta salad. If you want to add a little meat, cubed salami should do the trick. <h3>How long does pesto pasta salad last in the fridge?<\/h3>Like many other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/top-10-pasta-salad-recipes\/\">cold pasta salad recipes<\/a>, this pesto pasta salad will taste better if you prepare it a few hours before you plan to serve it. After that, it will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. <br><br><i>\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/author\/lpahmeier\/\">Lauren Pahmeier<\/a>, Taste Recipes Editor<\/i>"}]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":312458,"name":"Salads","slug":"salads","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312393,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Don't think you like salads? Think again. Try one of our delicious recipes for potato, pasta, lettuce, rice and a whole bunch of other salad varieties.","parent":310796,"count":4178,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/salads\/"},{"term_id":312510,"name":"Pasta Salads","slug":"pasta-salads","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312445,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Pasta salads are a hit at potlucks and picnics or a simple weeknight meal. Find easy and healthy options for pasta salad recipes including Italian, chicken, tortellini, pesto, macaroni, tuna, and more.","parent":312458,"count":473,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/salads\/pasta-salads\/"},{"term_id":312516,"name":"Italian Pasta Salads","slug":"italian-pasta-salads","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312451,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Looking for recipes for Italian pasta salads? Taste Recipes has the best Italian pasta salads recipes from real cooks like you, featuring reviews, ratings, how-to videos and tips.","parent":312510,"count":106,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/salads\/pasta-salads\/italian-pasta-salads\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.3 (Yoast SEO v23.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Garden Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe: How to Make It<\/title>\n\n\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/\" \/>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe: How to Make It","description":"This summery pesto pasta salad is chock-full of fresh garden vegetables. Store-bought pesto is easiest, but homemade works just as well.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad","og_description":"This summery pesto pasta salad is chock-full of fresh garden vegetables. Store-bought pesto is easiest, but homemade works just as well.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/","og_site_name":"Taste Recipes","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tasteofhome","article_modified_time":"2024-10-21T19:45:54+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":1200,"url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/EXPS_TOHD24_193248_EmilyJDavis_006.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/EXPS_TOHD24_193248_EmilyJDavis_006.jpg","twitter_site":"@tasteofhome","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"5 minutes","Written by":"Justine Harrington"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/","name":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe: How to Make It","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/EXPS_TOHD24_193248_EmilyJDavis_006.jpg","datePublished":"2017-09-26T00:03:00+00:00","dateModified":"2024-10-21T19:45:54+00:00","description":"This summery pesto pasta salad is chock-full of fresh garden vegetables. Store-bought pesto is easiest, but homemade works just as well.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/EXPS_TOHD24_193248_EmilyJDavis_006.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/EXPS_TOHD24_193248_EmilyJDavis_006.jpg","width":1200,"height":1200,"caption":"Exps Tohd24 193248 Emilyjdavis 006"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/garden-pesto-pasta-salad\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Recipes","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Recipes","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Dishes &amp; Beverages","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"Salads","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/salads\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"name":"Pasta Salads","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/salads\/pasta-salads\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":7,"name":"Italian Pasta Salads","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/salads\/pasta-salads\/italian-pasta-salads\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":8,"name":"Garden Pesto Pasta Salad"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/","name":"Taste Recipes","description":"Find Recipes, Appetizers, Desserts, Holiday Recipes &amp; Healthy Cooking Tips","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#organization","name":"Taste Recipes","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/toh-logo-red.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/toh-logo-red.png","width":166,"height":125,"caption":"Taste Recipes"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tasteofhome","https:\/\/x.com\/tasteofhome","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/tasteofhome\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/taste_of_home\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/tasteofhome"]}]}},"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2025-05-13 23:59:17","action":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/recipe\/357428"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/recipe"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/recipe"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8015"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=357428"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/recipe\/357428\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2122275,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/recipe\/357428\/revisions\/2122275"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2122276"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=357428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=357428"},{"taxonomy":"categories-v2","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories-v2?post=357428"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=357428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}