Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad Made with Store-Bought Pesto

Learn how to make a creamy pesto pasta salad using store-bought pesto. This easy make-ahead salad is one of my favorites and takes just 20 minutes. Once you try this pesto pasta salad, you’ll be hooked. The recipe uses penne pasta, store-bought pesto, smoked mozzarella, mayo, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. You can also substitute cold tortellini if you prefer.

Watch the video with step-by-step directions on how to make creamy pesto pasta salad at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients for cold and creamy pesto pasta salad

For this salad you will need: penne pasta, olive oil, mayo, store-bought pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

How to make creamy pesto pasta salad

Boil the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.

Drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

I like to drizzle the olive oil on the cold penne while straining to minimize cleanup.

In a bowl, combine mayo and store-bought pesto until smooth to create a creamy dressing.

Toss the pesto-mayo dressing with the cooled pasta until evenly coated.

Fold in diced sun-dried tomatoes and smoked mozzarella. Stir gently to combine and finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Top with extra Parmesan if desired and enjoy.

Can you put pesto on cold pasta?

Yes. Pesto can be used on cold pasta, but straight from the jar it can be thick and clump. Mixing pesto with mayo creates a creamier dressing that coats cold pasta evenly and keeps the salad silky and flavorful.

How do you make creamy pesto salad dressing?

It’s simple: whisk together pesto and mayo until smooth. Adjust the ratio to taste for a thicker or thinner dressing.

What kind of pasta goes with pesto?

Tube or spiral shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best because their nooks and ridges hold the pesto dressing. They’re also easy to eat at picnics and parties. Cheese tortellini is another tasty option for a heartier salad.

How do you cook pasta for cold pasta salad?

Cook pasta to al dente, drain, and toss with olive oil right away so the pieces don’t stick. Add the dressing while the pasta is still slightly warm or fully cooled—either works well.

What vegetables go with pesto pasta salad?

• Broccoli
• Squash
• Peas
• Artichokes
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Red onion
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Grape or roasted cherry tomatoes

Cold pesto pasta salad with chicken

Add cooked chicken for a protein boost. Shredded or chopped roasted chicken blends nicely into the salad and makes it a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Making pasta salad for a crowd

This pesto pasta salad is ideal for feeding a crowd at game day gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals. It keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, so you can make it ahead. If it dries out in storage, reserve a little extra dressing to refresh the salad before serving.

Tasty tips and notes for making creamy pesto pasta salad

• Cook pasta ahead if desired; toss with a bit of olive oil immediately after draining to prevent sticking.
• Use tube or spiral pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni, or try tortellini for a different texture.
• Customize the salad with additions like grilled chicken, artichokes, red onion, peas, grape tomatoes, chickpeas, or zucchini.
• Store the salad in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Keep a bit of extra dressing on hand to re-moisten the pasta if needed.
• Low-fat option: make your own pesto and substitute soaked pumpkin seeds for pine nuts to reduce fat and cost.