Name: Summer Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 Box Barilla® Tri-Color Rotini; 3 Tablespoons Barilla® Rustic Basil Pesto; 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 Tablespoons Garlic Parmesan Vinaigrette OR Italian Dressing; 1 7- oz. Package of Italian Dry Salami, Small, Diced; 3 Cups Romaine lettuce, Shredded; 1 Bunch Green Onion, Sliced Thin; 3 Plum Tomatoes, Diced; 1 8- oz. Package Fresh Mozzarella cheese, Drained; To Taste Salt and pepper

Summer Pesto Pasta Salad

45 minutes

Weeknight Weekend Gatherings Summer Recipes Dairy/Cream Extra Virgin Olive Oil Pork/Sausage Tomatoes Classic Blue Box Short

This summer pesto pasta salad is a fresh, colorful dish—perfect for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor lunches. The pasta is cooked just shy of al dente, cooled completely, and then tossed with pesto, fresh mozzarella, and flavorful add-ins for a light, well-balanced result.

Pasta Salad Recipes

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Ingredients

6 servings

1Box Barilla^® Tri-Color Rotini

3Tablespoons Barilla^® Rustic Basil Pesto

1Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2Tablespoons Garlic Parmesan Vinaigrette OR Italian Dressing

17- oz. Package of Italian Dry Salami, Small, Diced

3Cups Romaine lettuce, Shredded

1Bunch Green Onion, Sliced Thin

3Plum Tomatoes, Diced

18- oz. Package Fresh Mozzarella cheese, Drained

To TasteSalt and pepper

Disclaimer

Individuals with allergies or specific dietary concerns should verify that the ingredients they utilize for the recipes comply with their restrictions.

Method

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to the package directions, draining it 1 minute early. This helps the pasta keep its bite after cooling and mixing with the dressing.

Step 2

Toss the warm pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and spread it out on a baking sheet in a single layer to cool completely. It’s important that the pasta is cold before adding the pesto to preserve its color and freshness.

Step 3

Once the pasta is cold, transfer it to a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Gently toss to distribute the dressing evenly. Add the mozzarella (and lettuce, if using) at the end, folding gently to keep its texture.

Step 4

Let the salad rest for about 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld. If you’re making it ahead, add a drizzle of oil or a spoonful of pesto right before serving to bring back the creaminess.

Tri-Color Rotini

A colorful version of a pasta salad favorite, Tri-Color Rotini means "colorful twists" and are two-inch lengths of thick screw-like pasta from Northern Italy. The shape was inspired by children, since they are fun to eat and pair well with a wide variety of sauces. Barilla^® Tri-Color Rotini is made with non-GMO ingredients. For more information, please read our position.

Shape

Tri-Color Rotini

Pack size

12oz

Range

Classic Blue Box

View product

Tri-Color Rotini

Shape

Tri-Color Rotini

Pack size

12oz

Range

Classic Blue Box

View product