I am a pesto fanatic. I’m not ashamed to say that this isn’t the first time I’ve professed my love for pesto and I doubt it’ll be the last. This savory pesto pasta goes perfectly with the grilled foods we love in the summer and it’s creative enough to impress a few relatives at the family cookout.

Perfect Summer Pesto and Asparagus Pasta Salad

  • Prep Time:10 minutes
  • Cook Time:15 minutes
  • Total Time:25 minutes
  • Servings:4
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 8 oz medium shell pasta
  • 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and diced
  • 1/3 cup mozzarella, cubed
  • salt and pepper, to tast
Photo by Emma Norton
  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 425ºF. Set asparagus in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place in oven and roast for 12 minutes.

    Photo by Emma Norton
  • Step 2

    Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain well.

    Photo by Emma Norton
  • Step 3

    Chop asparagus into one inch pieces. Combine pasta, asparagus, pesto, sun dried tomatoes and parmesan.

  • Step 4

    Stir well and enjoy.

    Photo by Emma Norton