Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of this Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad to welcome the warmer days. With tender pasta, sweet peas, fresh cucumber, and peppery radishes all coated in a luscious pesto dressing, each bite bursts with the essence of spring.

This dish is the perfect make-ahead option for picnics, potlucks, and easy lunches. The fresh herbs and veggies create a vibrant contrast with the creamy pesto sauce, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. Light yet satisfying, it’s the ultimate way to savor the flavors of the season.

Full Recipe:

12 oz rotini pasta
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1/4 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
In a large bowl, whisk together pesto, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta, peas, cucumber, radishes, parsley, and Parmesan to the bowl. Toss to coat everything in the dressing.
Garnish with toasted pine nuts if desired. Serve immediately or chill for an hour before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Fresh Taste of Spring: Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad

When the chill of winter finally fades and the vibrant blooms of spring take over, our kitchens naturally follow the seasons. Hearty stews give way to lighter, fresher dishes that mirror the energy and colors around us. One dish that perfectly captures this transition is the Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad. Brimming with crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and a fresh herbal aroma, this pasta salad is a celebration of everything we love about spring.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad is a burst of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and refreshing. It combines the richness of pesto and mayonnaise with the brightness of lemon juice and the subtle crunch of fresh vegetables. The balance is perfect—it’s creamy without being heavy, fresh without being too light. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that works equally well as a side for grilled meats, a standalone lunch, or a potluck favorite that everyone will rave about.

Unlike many pasta salads that can feel weighed down by heavy dressings, this version relies on basil pesto to bring a robust herbal freshness. The peas add a delightful sweetness, and the cucumber and radish slices provide a crisp, juicy bite that keeps every forkful exciting.

A Celebration of Seasonal Ingredients

One of the most special aspects of this recipe is its use of seasonal produce. Spring peas are at their sweetest during the early spring months, and they bring a pop of green and natural sweetness that defines the dish. Cucumbers and radishes, which also peak in spring, add a necessary crunch and slight peppery notes to balance the pesto’s richness.

Fresh parsley adds a hint of bitterness that enhances the flavor profile, while Parmesan cheese gives it a savory depth. Optional toasted pine nuts provide a wonderful nutty crunch and a hint of luxury that elevates the dish even further.

Using seasonal ingredients not only ensures the best flavor but also supports local farmers and markets, allowing you to create meals that are both sustainable and delicious.

The Magic of Pesto

Pesto is the heart and soul of this pasta salad. Traditionally made from fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, pesto is the perfect way to add vibrant, herbaceous flavor to a variety of dishes.

In this recipe, the pesto acts as the base for the creamy dressing, lending its signature green hue and irresistible aroma. Mixed with mayonnaise and sour cream, it becomes a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and vegetables beautifully without overpowering their natural flavors.

While a classic basil pesto is typically used, you can easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with other greens like spinach, arugula, or even pea shoots for an even more customized, seasonal twist.

Texture and Flavor: A Perfect Balance

Texture is key in a good pasta salad, and this recipe nails it. The tender rotini noodles serve as the perfect base, their curves capturing the creamy dressing in every bite. The green peas are tender but still pop slightly in the mouth, offering a fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce.

The cucumbers lend a cool, watery crunch that is especially refreshing on warm days, while the radishes add a spicy snap. The Parmesan cheese subtly melts into the warm pasta and dressing, adding a silky umami flavor that rounds everything out.

Optional toasted pine nuts sprinkle over the top bring a satisfying nutty crunch, tying all the elements together into a harmonious dish that delights the senses.

Perfect for Every Occasion

One of the biggest advantages of the Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad is its versatility. It fits seamlessly into countless occasions:

Picnics: It’s sturdy enough to survive the trip to the park and tastes great chilled or at room temperature.
Potlucks: It stands out on any buffet table thanks to its vibrant colors and fresh flavor profile.
Quick Lunches: Make a big batch at the beginning of the week and portion it out for quick, satisfying meals.
Spring Celebrations: Whether it’s Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, or a casual spring barbecue, this pasta salad feels festive and special without being fussy.

It can even serve as a light main course for vegetarians, offering a complete, protein-packed meal when served with a side of rustic bread or a fresh green salad.

Tips for the Best Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad

Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better in salads and keeps the texture pleasant even after a few days in the fridge.
Use Good Quality Pesto: If you’re buying pesto, splurge on a high-quality brand. Even better, make your own at home with fresh basil for the ultimate flavor experience.
Don’t Overload the Dressing: The pasta and vegetables should be well coated but not swimming in dressing. Add the sauce gradually and toss gently.
Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour melds the flavors together and enhances the overall taste.
Customize to Taste: Feel free to add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or asparagus, swap the rotini for farfalle or penne, or even toss in some grilled chicken for added protein.

Health Benefits of Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad

Beyond being incredibly tasty, this pasta salad also offers a good array of nutrients. Peas are a rich source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K. Cucumbers hydrate the body and provide minerals like potassium and magnesium, while radishes contribute antioxidants and aid digestion.

The pesto provides healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, supporting heart health and boosting the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Even the Parmesan cheese, in moderation, adds calcium and protein to the dish.

All of these benefits mean you can enjoy a generous serving of this pasta salad knowing it’s nourishing your body as well as satisfying your taste buds.

Variations to Try

If you want to get creative, there are many fun ways to adapt this pasta salad:

Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even chickpeas for extra protein.
Herb Explosion: Mix in chopped mint, dill, or chives alongside the parsley for a more complex herbaceous note.
Veggie Swap: Use blanched asparagus tips, snap peas, or even artichoke hearts for a different texture and flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Whole Grain Upgrade: Swap the traditional rotini with whole wheat or legume-based pasta for a more fiber-rich, healthful option.

These variations allow you to customize the dish based on the ingredients you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Conclusion: A Spring Staple You’ll Make Again and Again

Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad is more than just another pasta dish—it’s a celebration of the season, a reflection of fresh beginnings, and a reminder that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

Whether you’re serving it at a sunny picnic, packing it for an easy work lunch, or preparing a feast for friends and family, this dish delivers every time. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and endless adaptability, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your spring and summer rotation.

So next time you find yourself surrounded by the season’s bounty at your local market, grab some fresh peas, crisp veggies, and fragrant herbs. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you!