Only six Ingredients? Nailed this on my first try!
Pasta Salad is one of my favorite dishes because you can serve it cold! And it goes with anything you pull off the BBQ!
I adore pasta salad and I think I have made it different almost every time. Why? Because it is the best way to use up extra diced bell peppers or olives that you have in the fridge.
I love that you can serve it as is, or add diced chicken or ham in it.
If you are rushed for time and just realized you don’t have anything planned for dinner, swing into Costco. You can pick up all the ingredients, including my favorite basil pesto, french bread, and even a rotisserie chicken to cut up. Really, this can be a side dish or actually star as the main course.
Really, this can be a side dish or actually star as the main course. I am leaning toward the main course! It is so easy to make and clean-up so why not?
If you have any left over trust me it will taste even better the following day. The flavors just meld together in a way that makes you want to hum a happy tune while cleaning up.
Since there isn’t any heavy sauce added, this is a great lighter fare.
For Farmer’s Market enthusiasts, this is also a great recipe to think of and if you are super ambitious to feel free to make your own pesto- see recipe below.
This is what Lauren from Tastes Beter From Scratch has to say about this summer salad classic.
I love adding homemade basil pesto to this recipe but it’s delicious with a high-quality store-bought pesto too. If you’re looking for a super fast and easy summer side dish that’s packed with flavor, this one is for you!
GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.
Quick Tip: Want to make your own Pesto? No problemo! If you are already going to the farmer’s market or if you happen to have a healthy basil plant you might as well whip this up. Just put all the below ingredients into your food processor and puree.
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves.
- 3 cloves garlic.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
- Splash of fresh lemon juice, more or less according to your taste buds.
- About ½ cup olive oil (or oil of your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe and Photo courtesy of Laren of Tastes Better From Scratch