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Pesto Pasta Salad in a large bowl
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4.41 from 5 votes

Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

This Cold Pesto Pasta Salad with ranch dressing is the perfect quick and easy summer side dish.  Filled with bite-sized pasta, creamy pesto dressing, tomatoes, spinach and mozzarella cheese, it tastes great served with grilled chicken, burgers, kabobs and more.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 422kcal
Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Pasta cooked al dente
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • ½ cup Buttermilk
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix
  • ¼ cup Pesto
  • 1 cup Mozzerella Cheese cubed, pearls or shredded
  • 1 ½ cups Cherry Tomatoes cut in half
  • 2-3 large handfuls Spinach
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package directions, then run cold water over the cooked pasta to cool.  Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and spinach to the bowl with the cooked pasta.
  • In a blender, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk and ranch dressing mix. Pulse until the ingredients are mixed and creamy, then add the pesto and mix again.
  • Pour the creamy ranch pesto dressing over the pasta and vegetables and mix until everything is evenly coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 488mg | Potassium: 272mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1125IU | Vitamin C: 8.5mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 1.3mg