If you're searching for an easy pasta salad recipe that’s perfect for the hot summer months, this 5-ingredient pasta salad made with grape tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil pesto, and arugula is a great side dish or even a satisfying main course.
Table of contents
- Why you will love the 5 Ingredient Pasta Salad...
- Ingredients needed for your new favorite pasta salad recipe
- Optional Pasta Salad Add-Ins
- How to Make a 5 Ingredient Pasta Salad
- Watch the How to Make a 5 Ingredient Pasta Salad Video Here...
- Expert Tips for the Best 5 Ingredient Pasta Salad
- Top 5 FAQs for 5 Ingredient Pasta Salad
- Are you a Weight Watcher?
- WHAT IF THE SECRET TO LOSING WEIGHT ISN’T JUST IN YOUR DIET—BUT IN YOUR ENVIRONMENT?
- REDUCE BELLY FAT WITH HEALTHY MUFFINS - GRAB A COPY OF MY LATEST COOKBOOK ON AMAZON ...
Whether you're prepping for a summer BBQ, heading to the grocery store, or using up fresh ingredients from the farmers market, this easy cold pasta salad recipe is a family favorite!
Simply cook pasta like rotini pasta or bow ties in a large pot of salted water until perfectly al dente, then toss everything in a large mixing bowl for a dish full of bold flavors.
It’s a great pasta salad to prep for the next day, and a great way to turn pantry staples into a classic side dish.
Here are some more Weight Watcher friendly side dishes and desserts you may like Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls, Air Fryer Polenta, Easy Naan Bread , Air Fryer Avocado Fries, 3 Ingredient Cinnamon Muffins and my favorite Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins.
Why you will love the 5 Ingredient Pasta Salad...
Weight Watcher Friendly - This super easy Pesto Pasta Salad is only 5 WW Points on my WW App.
Since the new Weight Watchers plan is personalized you will have to input the ingredients used into your WW app to get your exact WW personal points.
Quick & Easy – With just 5 simple ingredients and minimal prep, this easy cold pasta salad comes together in minutes—perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute potlucks, or no-fuss meal prep.
Light, Fresh & Flavorful – A delicious balance of textures and flavors that’s refreshing yet satisfying, making it ideal for warm-weather meals or healthy lunches.
Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing – Easily adaptable with your favorite add-ins and always a hit at picnics, BBQs, or as a make-ahead dish for the week.
Ingredients needed for your new favorite pasta salad recipe
Rotini Pasta – The spirals hold onto the pesto beautifully, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Pesto – This herby, garlicky sauce is the perfect shortcut for big flavor without a long list of ingredients.
Grape Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, they add a fresh burst of flavor and vibrant color to the salad.
Baby Arugula – We use baby arugula for its tender texture and peppery bite, which balances the richness of the pesto.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish that brings everything together with a savory punch.
Optional Pasta Salad Add-Ins
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – Add lean protein to turn this salad into a complete meal.
- Chickpeas – A plant-based option for extra protein and fiber.
- Olives – For a briny kick that pairs perfectly with pesto.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Intensify the tomato flavor with a chewy, sweet-tart punch.
- Toasted Pine Nuts or Walnuts – Add crunch and a subtle nutty richness.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls – Creamy and mild, they complement the sharpness of the Parmesan.
How to Make a 5 Ingredient Pasta Salad
1: Cook the Pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2: Slice your grape tomatoes into halves.
3: In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, salt, and pepper; let stand while the pasta cooks. When the pasta is done and the tomatoes have released some juice, stir in the pesto until well combined.
4: Add in the pasta and arugula mix together then top with the parmesan cheese.
5: Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for later. Enjoy!
Watch the How to Make a 5 Ingredient Pasta Salad Video Here...
Expert Tips for the Best 5 Ingredient Pasta Salad
- Cook Pasta Just Until Al Dente
Slightly firm pasta holds up better in salads and won't get mushy after tossing with the pesto and other ingredients. - Rinse Pasta with Cold Water After Cooking
This stops the cooking process and cools it quickly, making it perfect for mixing with fresh ingredients without wilting the arugula. - Toss Pasta with a Bit of Olive Oil
If you're prepping the pasta ahead of time, a drizzle of olive oil will prevent sticking until you're ready to mix in the pesto. - Use High-Quality Pesto
Whether homemade or store-bought, using a good-quality pesto makes a big difference since it’s the main flavor of the dish. - Add Arugula Just Before Serving
To keep the arugula fresh and vibrant, stir it in at the end so it doesn't wilt while sitting in the fridge. - Serve at Room Temperature for Best Flavor
Pasta salad tastes best when it’s not ice-cold—let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to shine. - Customize with Seasonal Veggies
Feel free to swap in roasted zucchini, corn, or bell peppers when tomatoes aren’t in season or for a colorful twist. - Make It Ahead
This salad holds up well when made a few hours in advance—just wait to add the arugula and cheese until just before serving. - Store in an Airtight Container
Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of olive oil or more pesto before eating to refresh the flavor. - Serve as a Side or Light Main Dish
It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main—especially when you add optional proteins like chickpeas or mozzarella.
Top 5 FAQs for 5 Ingredient Pasta Salad
Yes! This pasta salad is great for making ahead. Just cook the pasta, toss with pesto, tomatoes, and parmesan, then store in the fridge. Add the arugula right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
You can use any store-bought or homemade pesto. Basil pesto is the classic choice, but arugula, kale, or sun-dried tomato pesto also work great and add a fun twist.
Stored in an airtight container, it will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For the best texture and flavor, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating and stir in a splash of olive oil if needed.
Absolutely. While rotini holds the pesto well, other short pastas like penne, farfalle, or fusilli work just as well. Whole wheat or gluten-free options are great substitutes too.
To make it a more filling main dish, add in protein like grilled chicken, canned chickpeas, tuna, or mozzarella balls. It’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
Are you a Weight Watcher?
If you follow my Blog you probably already know I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and I like to point all of my Recipes with the WW Points System.
This Weight Watchers friendly pasta salad recipe is only 5 Points on my Weight Watchers points app for 1 serving of delicious pesto pasta salad.
Weight Watchers has a new individualized program right now to make it easier to enjoy the foods you love and still lose weight.
Just plug the ingredients into your WW app to confirm the points for your individual program.
If you want to see the old Purple, Blue and Green WW Food Lists for each plan just click Here… For a list of the 2025 Free WW Food list click here..
Make sure you check out my Newbie WW Tips and Tricks Guide if you are just getting started.
Planning to travel soon? Make sure you check out my 100 Tips for healthy eating on the go.
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Easy 5-Ingredient Pasta Salad with Grape Tomatoes & Parmesan
- Total Time: 20 Minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
If you're searching for an easy pasta salad recipe that’s perfect for the hot summer months, this 5-ingredient pasta salad made with grape tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil pesto, and arugula is a great side dish or even a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces on uncooked pasta
- 1 ½ cups of grapes tomatoes - halved
- ½ Teaspoon of Sea Salt
- ½ Teaspoon of Black Pepper
- ¼ cup of Pesto
- 4 cups of Baby Arugula
- 2 ounces of Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Slice your grape tomatoes into halves.
- In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, salt, and pepper; let stand while the pasta cooks. When the pasta is done and the tomatoes have released some juice, stir in the pesto until well combined.
- Add in the pasta and arugula mix together then top with the parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for later. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cook Pasta Just Until Al Dente
Slightly firm pasta holds up better in salads and won't get mushy after tossing with the pesto and other ingredients. - Rinse Pasta with Cold Water After Cooking
This stops the cooking process and cools it quickly, making it perfect for mixing with fresh ingredients without wilting the arugula. - Toss Pasta with a Bit of Olive Oil
If you're prepping the pasta ahead of time, a drizzle of olive oil will prevent sticking until you're ready to mix in the pesto. - Use High-Quality Pesto
Whether homemade or store-bought, using a good-quality pesto makes a big difference since it’s the main flavor of the dish. - Add Arugula Just Before Serving
To keep the arugula fresh and vibrant, stir it in at the end so it doesn't wilt while sitting in the fridge. - Serve at Room Temperature for Best Flavor
Pasta salad tastes best when it’s not ice-cold—let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to shine. - Customize with Seasonal Veggies
Feel free to swap in roasted zucchini, corn, or bell peppers when tomatoes aren’t in season or for a colorful twist. - Make It Ahead
This salad holds up well when made a few hours in advance—just wait to add the arugula and cheese until just before serving. - Store in an Airtight Container
Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of olive oil or more pesto before eating to refresh the flavor. - Serve as a Side or Light Main Dish
It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main—especially when you add optional proteins like chickpeas or mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 147
- Sugar: 1.9 g
- Sodium: 153.8 mg
- Fat: 3.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 23.6 g
- Protein: 4.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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