This Pesto Rigatoni Pasta Salad with Parmesan is the perfect easy dinner with tons of leftovers. It is quick to make and uses simple and nutritious ingredients.

Rigatoni Pasta Salad with Pesto and Tomatoes in a bowl.

I am always looking for new dinner recipes that are easy to make and delicious. This Rigatoni Pasta Salad with parmesan cheese and sun dried tomatoes is my new favorite.

The best part about a pasta salad is that you can customize it using your favorite ingredients or even what you have on hand!

The sun dried tomatoes add great acidity while the parmesan has a nice bite, bringing it all together.

If you’re like me, you’ll be making this Rigatoni Pasta Salad every week!

Main Ingredients

Ingredients in bowls to make rigatoni pesto pasta salad.

Do I eat this pasta salad cold or warm?

How to Make Rigatoni Pasta Salad

  1. Cook the pasta of your choice according to the package’s instructions
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prep the other ingredients
  3. Once the pasta is cooked, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process
  4. Add the pasta to a large mixing/serving bowl and combine with all of the other ingredients
  5. Mix until fully combined and the pasta should be well coated with the pesto
  6. Add any extra parmesan, sundried tomatoes or other toppings on top
  7. Serve and enjoy!
Making Rigatoni Pasta Salad in a large wooden bowl.
Cook the pasta and add it to the bowl
Making Pesto Pasta Salad in a large bowl.
Add in the other ingredients
Making Rigatoni Pesto Pasta Salad in a large mixing bowl.
Don’t forget the parmesan cheese!
Ready to eat pesto pasta salad in a large bowl.
Mix until combined and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pesto sauce to use for this recipe?

My favorite sauce to use if I’m not making it homemade is definitely Trader Joe’s Kale Cashew Pesto Sauce.
It’s vegan but you wouldn’t know it! I use it in the photos you see on this blog post. It’s also great for when you are in a time crunch!

You can also make your own, such as my recipe for Spinach Basil Pesto.

What is the best pasta to use for this recipe?

You can use any short or small shaped pasta. Sometimes I like to use a lentil or chickpea pasta for added protein.

Some of my favorites are: Banza, Bite Size Rigatoni (as seen in the photos) and Barilla Protein Pasta

How can I store this pasta salad for leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.

This meal is great to have throughout the week as a lunch or dinner if you don’t have time to prep/make a meal.

  • If you need a pasta salad to bring to a potluck or to enjoy during the spring and summer months. Try this Watermelon Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil! It’s unique, refreshing and a family favorite!
  • If you’re in a new of a good meal prep, try this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad. It makes a big batch and stays fresh throughout the whole week.
  • This Spinach Pesto Sauce pairs perfectly with any pasta shape. It’s bright and tasty in each bite.
  • Baked Chicken Feta Pasta is the perfect Monday night meal that you can enjoy throughout the rest of the week. It’s a fun play on the Viral Baked Feta Pasta dish.
  • If you’re looking to switch up your pasta meals, try this Healthy Couscous Moroccan Salad! It’s light, refreshing and satisfying.
  • Another pasta recipe I recommend is this One Pot Pasta Recipe with Ricotta and Lemon by my friend Krista from Frozen Bananas! It’s easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Rigatoni Pasta Salad with Parmesan and Pesto in a large serving bowl.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Pesto Rigatoni Pasta Salad with Parmesan

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
This Pesto Rigatoni Pasta Salad with Parmesan is the perfect easy dinner with tons of leftovers. It is quick to make and uses simple and nutritious ingredients.
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Ingredients
 

  • 16 oz bite size rigatoni pasta
  • 8 oz pesto
  • 3 cups arugula
  • 1 cup sun dried tomatoes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup shaved parmesan

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta of your choice according to the package's instructions
  • While the pasta is cooking, prep the other ingredients
  • Once the pasta is cooked, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process
  • Add the pasta to a large mixing/serving bowl and combine with all of the other ingredients
  • Mix until fully combined and the pasta should be well coated with the pesto
  • Add any extra parmesan, sundried tomatoes or other toppings on top
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal
Author: Jessica Selensky
Course: dinner, lunch, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keywords: basil pasta, easy dinner recipe, easy lunch recipe, easy pasta recipe, Healthy Pasta Dish, healthy pasta salad, pesto pasta, sun dried tomatoes, vegan pesto

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