Pesto Pasta Salad

By this point in the summer, you've probably attended quite a few cookouts, barbecues, and picnics with friends and family.  If you're looking for something to bring to those events, but you're tired of the same old pasta salad with italian dressing, pesto might be an easy way for you to mix it up a bit!  I love anything and everything that has to do with basil, my favorite herb in all the world.

Unfortunately, not all of us are talented enough to grow herbs, so I used store-bought pesto.  This stuff is pretty awesome.  I really like Classico brand sauces, and their pesto did not disappoint.

Ingredients:
-1 whole wheat pasta
-3 stalks of celery
-1 medium bell pepper
-1 can chickpeas
-1 container of cherry tomatoes
-1/2 cup of pesto

1.  Boil pasta.  While that's happening, chop celery and bell pepper and put in a large pasta bowl.  I use the bottom of my salad spinner.  Whatevs.

2.  Wash cherry tomatoes and add to pasta bowl.

3.  Add chickpeas.  Make sure they are washed and drained.  You don't want any gooey bean juice in the salad. 

4.  When the pasta is done, drain it and rinse in cold water until it is no longer hot to the touch.  I even gave it an ice bath.

5.  Put drained pasta in the bowl with everything else, and put globs of pesto into the mix.

Mix, chill, and serve!
 
This is a fantastic (and as you can surmise, incredibly easy and quick) side dish to bring to any event, or serve alongside a main course that you want to give more attention to.  This salad can be made hours in advance and served whenever you decide.

Enjoy, and have a great day! :)

For a printable version of this recipe, please click here.