How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Pesto Pasta Salad?

You need 24 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta, cooked, drained and cooled, 1 cup julienned fully cooked ham, 1 cup julienned carrots, 1 cup thinly sliced celery, and more.

Is Pesto Pasta Salad suitable as pasta & noodles?

Yes, Pesto Pasta Salad falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Pesto Pasta Salad?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta, cooked, drained and cooled; 1 cup julienned fully cooked ham; 1 cup julienned carrots; 1 cup thinly sliced celery; 1 cup frozen peas, thawed; 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms; 1 cup julienned zucchini; 1 cup cubed Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions; 1/3 cup chopped radishes; 1 can (6 ounces) medium pitted ripe olives, drained and halved; 1 jar (2 ounces) chopped pimientos, drained; 3 to 5 garlic cloves; 2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves; 3/4 cups grated Parmesan or Romano cheese; 1/4 cup slivered almonds; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/8 teaspoon sugar; 1 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup white wine vinegar; 1 cup whole almonds, toasted

Fresh, crisp and full of flavor — this Pesto Pasta Salad is a must-try. Made with spiral pasta, carrots, celery and frozen peas. Easy step-by-step instr…

This Pesto Pasta Salad relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as julienned fully cooked ham, julienned carrots, thinly sliced celery and frozen peas, thawed. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 1583 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Pasta & Noodles

1583

kcal

Calories

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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Pesto Pasta Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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