Pasta Salad with Peas and Pesto is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the nuttiness of basil pesto with the sweet pop of green peas, tossed together with tender pasta for a deliciously light yet satisfying salad.

Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, planning a quick weeknight meal, or packing lunch for work, this dish hits the mark with bold flavors and minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe:

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect harmony of texture and flavor — the creaminess of the pesto, the bite of the pasta, and the subtle sweetness of peas make it incredibly addictive. It’s also a one-bowl, no-fuss dish that’s easy to scale up for gatherings or meal prep.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish:

Quick & Easy – Ready in 20 minutes
No mayonnaise – Light and fresh alternative to traditional pasta salads
Great served warm or cold
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or healthy lunches
Vegetarian-friendly and customizable

Preparation & Cooking Time:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~350–400 kcal

Ingredients:

2 cups (about 200g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, farfalle)
1 cup frozen peas
½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Peas

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas directly to the boiling pasta.
Drain both pasta and peas and rinse under cold water to cool slightly and stop cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Pesto Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, add pesto and olive oil.
Whisk until smooth. Add lemon juice if using for extra freshness.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Add the drained pasta and peas to the bowl with pesto.
Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add grated Parmesan if using.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Warm

For a cold salad, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
For a warm version, serve immediately.

How to Serve:

Serve as a light main dish, side salad, or lunchbox filler.
Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crusty bread for a full meal.
Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or toasted pine nuts for an elegant finish.

Additional Recipe Tips & Variations:

Tips:

Rinse pasta under cold water if serving chilled — it keeps it from sticking.
Add lemon juice or zest to brighten the dish.
Don’t overcook the peas — they should remain bright and slightly firm.

Variations:

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs.
Veggie Add-ins: Cherry tomatoes, arugula, roasted red peppers, or zucchini.
Cheese Options: Try goat cheese, feta, or shaved Pecorino.
Use Different Pesto: Sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist.

Freezing & Storage:

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Stir before serving — add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice if it looks dry.

Freezing:

Not recommended. Pasta and pesto don’t freeze well together; texture and flavor will be compromised.

Special Equipment Needed:

Large pot for boiling pasta
Strainer or colander
Large mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon for mixing pesto

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
A: Yes! Blanch them for 1–2 minutes before adding to the salad.

Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Absolutely — use vegan pesto and skip or substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Yes, just be sure not to overcook it as it can become mushy.

Q: Can I make it the night before?
A: Yes. It tastes even better after chilling — just stir well before serving.

Conclusion:

Pasta Salad with Peas and Pesto is a bright, herbaceous, and satisfying dish that fits any occasion. With its fresh ingredients, quick prep, and endless variations, it’s one of those go-to recipes you’ll keep coming back to — for lunchboxes, weeknight dinners, and summertime gatherings alike. It’s proof that a simple bowl of pasta can be elegant, refreshing, and completely crave-worthy.