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Pesto Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Emily Carter
A flavor-packed pesto pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Perfect for quick lunches, gatherings, or eating straight from the bowl.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or whatever holds sauce well
  • ½ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade, we won’t judge
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (oil-packed for extra flavor)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil because quality matters
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved (for freshness and color)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated (the real stuff, not the powder)
  • ¼ cup pine nuts toasted (optional, but adds a nice crunch)
  • ½ cup fresh spinach chopped (because green makes it healthy, right?)
  • 1 garlic clove minced (adds that extra punch)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water—yes, rinse it.
  • Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden. Try not to burn them (or yourself).
  • Chop the sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and spinach while the pasta cools. Keep fingers intact.
  • Whisk olive oil, pesto, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Or just shake it in a jar like a pro.
  • Toss pasta, veggies, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and Parmesan in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the dressing and mix well.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. More Parmesan? Always a good idea.
  • Chill for 15 minutes (or eat immediately if patience isn’t your thing).

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 360
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 10g

Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Vitamin A: 12%
  • Calcium: 14%
  • Iron: 10%
  • Vitamin C: 9%
  • Potassium: 8%

Additional Notes & Tips

  • Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber if you're feeling healthy.
  • Swap pine nuts for almonds if you’re out (or cheap).
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
  • Let it sit longer for an even better flavor boost.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge—but don’t expect them to last long.