When summer comes around, one thing I look forward to the most is 4 ingredient pasta salad.
With all of the summer cookouts and parties, I get to try so many pasta salads throughout the season! Pasta salad is a classic side dish and for good reason.
There’s just something about it that makes 4 ingredient pasta salad the perfect side dish. The cold, crunchy veggies and flavorful sauce bring so much to the cold pasta, and the flavors blend beautifully. It shouldn’t be so good, but it is.
I’m a big fan of the classic pasta salad with Italian dressing, but sometimes you want to mix it up a little. This pesto pasta salad brings a new, unique flavor that is even better than the old classic.
With only four ingredients, this 4 ingredient pasta salad is as simple as it gets. If you need a quick side dish for a weeknight meal or a summer potluck, this easy pasta salad recipe will become your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad Recipe
It’s easy: It doesn’t get much easier than four simple ingredients! This pasta salad comes together in just a few minutes and makes a delicious side dish for any summer meal.
It’s flexible: You can add just about anything to this pasta salad, and it will probably taste great! If the 4 ingredient pasta salad recipes aren’t your style, feel free to be creative with this dish.
It’s flavorful: It’s amazing what only a few ingredients can do if they are the right ingredients! Basil pesto is a classic Italian sauce that is loaded with flavor and it compliments the other ingredients for a tasty caprese-style pasta salad.
Tips for Making the Best 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad
- Cut your toppings into small pieces: I like to make my veggies about ¼ inch wide in most cases. This allows every bite to have all of the ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: The veggies really shine in pasta salad, so this is not the recipe to use up your ingredients that are about to go bad.
- Let it marinate in the fridge: Whenever possible, I recommend making your pasta salad a day ahead of time. As it sits in the fridge, the flavors are able to marinate and get soaked up in the pasta. When it is time to eat it, add a bit more pesto as needed.
- Don’t overcook your pasta: The last thing you want is soggy, mushy noodles in your pasta salad. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it maintains a good texture as it soaks up the liquid.
Optional Add-Ins for Your 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad
This 4 ingredient pasta salad is fantastic on its own, but you can make it even better by adding extra ingredients! Here are some ideas:
- Meat: Chopped salami, ham, pepperoni, or crispy bacon.
- Cheese: Add more cheese like shredded parmesan or feta crumbles.
- Fresh Veggies: Cucumbers, red onion, green peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil, parsley, or cilantro can add amazing flavor.
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Canned and Pickled Veggies: Black olives, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts.
FAQs About 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad
What is the best pasta shape for 4 ingredient pasta salad?
Choose pasta shapes with good surface area to hold the dressing. Farfalle, rotini, cavatappi, and penne are excellent choices because they maintain their texture and absorb flavors well.
How long does 4 ingredient pasta salad last?
Store your pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will last 3–4 days. Add more pesto or sauce as needed to refresh it before serving.
Can I make 4 ingredient pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this dish tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors have time to meld together.
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Yes, high-quality store-bought pesto works great. If you have time, homemade pesto can elevate the flavor even more!
More Easy Pasta Dishes
We love to make super simple pasta dishes that you can whip up in under 30 minutes! Don’t miss these other amazing recipes:
Final Thoughts
This 4 ingredient pasta salad is a must-have for your summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals. Its simplicity, versatility, and bold flavors make it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Try it out, and let us know what you think in the comments below! Check out more recipes on our website for inspiration and share your favorite pasta salad add-ins with us.
4-Ingredient Pesto Pasta Salad: Simple Italian Recipe
- Total Time: 20 Minutes
Ingredients
12 ounces of pasta of choice
1 pint cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
8 ounces mozzarella pearls
1 – 1 ½ cups basil pesto
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook pasta until it is al dente according to the package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare your other ingredients. Cut the cherry tomatoes into halves, or quarters if they are large.
- When the pasta is finished cooking, cool it rapidly by running it under cold water.
- Toss your cooked pasta, tomatoes, cheese, and pesto in a large bowl and stir until the pesto has coated everything.
- Chill in the fridge for at least two hours for best results, or serve immediately if needed.
