Go Back
–+ servings
This simple Pesto Pasta Salad is loaded with pasta shells, fresh pesto, salty bacon, crumbly feta, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cashews! showmetheyummy.com
Print Recipe

Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

This simple Pesto Pasta Salad is loaded with pasta shells, fresh pesto, salty bacon, crumbly feta, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cashews!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time20 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cilantro pesto, healthy, pasta shells
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 329kcal
Author: Jennifer Debth

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 oz) box small shells cooked, reserve at least 2 cups cooking liquid
  • 1 (10 oz) container cherry tomatoes diced or quartered
  • 1 (4 oz) container crumbled feta
  • 4-6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup roasted cashews*
  • 1 batch Cilantro Pesto
  • salt to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, stir all ingredients together until well combined.
  • Thin out with pasta water, if necessary.
  • Cover and chill until ready to serve.
  • Taste and re-season, if necessary, and serve! (After chilling, you may need to thin out with more pasta water, so make sure you save it!)
  • Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!

Video

Notes

*To roast cashews: preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Place cashews on an unlined, rimmed baking sheet. Roast in preheated oven until cashews are fragrant and golden, about 4-8 minutes. Stir halfway through to avoid burnt spots.

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 353mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 570IU | Vitamin C: 5.4mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 1.4mg