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5 Ingredient Italian Pasta Salad

This quick and tasty pasta salad combines five simple ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion, including picnics and BBQs.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dressing

  • 1 pound radiatori pasta You can use other types of pasta as well.
  • 1.5 cups store-bought pesto Use high-quality pesto for best flavor.
  • 0.5 cup mayo Adjust based on your texture preference.

Add-ins

  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped For extra flavor.
  • 2 cups baby arugula Can be replaced with other greens if desired.

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper To taste.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  • Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool.

Mixing

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, mayo, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula.
  • Mix everything together until well combined.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

  • You can eat it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

This pasta salad can be served chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light meal. Consider garnishing with extra sun-dried tomatoes or grated Parmesan cheese. Rinse the pasta to prevent sticking and feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Keyword 5 ingredient recipes, easy recipes, Italian pasta, pasta salad, quick meals