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Healthy basil pesto pasta salad with vegetables and white beans

Healthy Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

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A refreshing pasta salad with homemade basil pesto, veggies, and protein-rich white beans. Perfect for summer gatherings or a nutritious meal at home.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Veggies
  • 4 cups pasta (like fusilli, rotini, penne or farfale, cooked and cooled) Choose your preferred pasta shape.
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes (quartered, or cherry tomatoes) Fresh tomatoes add vibrant color.
  • 1/2 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted and thinly sliced)
  • 1 19 oz. can white kidney beans (drained and rinsed) Can also use other types of beans.
Pesto Ingredients
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • 1 cup baby spinach (packed)
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts Can be substituted with walnuts or pepitas.
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Optional Toppings
  • Crumbled feta, cubed mozzarella, or grated parmesan cheese Optional, for serving.

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse immediately under cool water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool further.
Prepare the Pesto
  1. In a blender or food processor, combine the basil, spinach, garlic, pine nuts, grated parmesan, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until well-combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while processing until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Assemble the Salad
  1. Once the pasta is cooled, add in the grape tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and white kidney beans. Pour the pesto over the pasta and veggies, tossing gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
Serve
  1. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Optionally, top with cheese before serving. This salad can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for later.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 12gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 290mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3g

Notes

This salad can be a main dish or a side. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Avoid adding cheese until serving for freshness.
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