The beauty of this pasta salad lies in its balance: spicy, creamy, herbaceous, and fresh. Inspired by seasonal produce, this recipe features juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and your choice of feta or avocado—tossed with a vibrant jalapeño herb pesto that elevates every bite.
Whether you’re prepping for a casual picnic or a weekend barbecue, this dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make ahead, keeps well in the fridge, and is flexible for various dietary needs—vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free with simple swaps. It’s everything summer should taste like: bright, bold, and beautifully nourishing.
Full Recipe:
½ pound whole grain bow-tie pasta (or rotini or penne)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained (or 1½ cups cooked)
1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 10 oz), sliced into rounds
1 ear of fresh corn, shucked and kernels sliced off (approx. ½ cup)
½ to ¾ cup crumbled feta or diced avocado
For the Jalapeño Herb Pesto:
1 cup lightly packed fresh parsley
1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro or basil
1 to 2 medium jalapeños, roughly chopped (remove seeds/membranes for less heat)
Juice of 1 medium lemon
1 medium garlic clove, roughly chopped
½ tsp salt
½ cup pepitas (or slivered almonds)
½ cup olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and return pasta to pot.
In a small skillet over medium heat, toast pepitas, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and popping. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a food processor, combine parsley, cilantro/basil, jalapeño, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Add pepitas and pulse several times.
With processor running, drizzle in olive oil until well blended. Scrape down sides as needed. Season with black pepper to taste.
Add enough pesto to the pasta to lightly coat it, using a splash of reserved pasta water to help mix. Toss thoroughly.
Transfer pasta to a large bowl. Stir in black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, and feta or avocado.
Let salad marinate for 30 minutes if possible before serving, or serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: ~360 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 mains or 8 sides
A Celebration of Fresh Summer Flavor: The Story Behind the Summertime Pasta Salad
There’s something about summer that invites us to eat more colorfully, more vibrantly, and more spontaneously. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, heading to a weekend picnic, or simply trying to clean out the fridge before your next grocery run, the Summertime Pasta Salad with Jalapeño Herb Pesto is the perfect solution. This dish captures the very essence of summer—bright herbs, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and creamy cheese or avocado—all tossed in a bold, zesty pesto that brings everything to life.
Inspired by a leftover ear of corn from a cowboy caviar recipe, this dish was born out of improvisation and creativity. With its accessible ingredients and adaptable profile, it has become a go-to recipe for those seeking something healthy, vibrant, and satisfying without being overly fussy.
Why This Pasta Salad Stands Out
Unlike many pasta salads that rely heavily on mayo-based dressings or overly creamy sauces, this version leans into herbs, citrus, and nuts/seeds to deliver flavor and nutrition. The jalapeño herb pesto at the heart of this recipe is anything but ordinary. It combines the earthy notes of parsley and cilantro (or basil) with toasted pepitas, garlic, and lemon for brightness. The jalapeño adds a mild-to-moderate kick depending on your spice tolerance, and its heat balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of summer produce like corn and cherry tomatoes.
This salad is a refreshing departure from traditional recipes and fits well into various lifestyles. It’s vegetarian, with easy adaptations to make it vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings where dietary needs vary.
A Nutritional Powerhouse Disguised as a Comfort Food
This isn’t your average pasta dish. Thanks to the thoughtful blend of vegetables, legumes, herbs, and seeds, this salad offers more than just good looks and flavor. It’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Black beans provide a hearty dose of protein and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied for longer. Cherry tomatoes and fresh corn contribute vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants like lycopene and lutein. The herbs—parsley and cilantro—aren’t just for color; they bring detoxifying properties and a punch of micronutrients. Pepitas, rich in magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats, elevate the pesto’s nutritional profile far beyond the average sauce.
Depending on your choice between feta and avocado, you’re also adding either calcium and protein or heart-healthy monounsaturated fats to the mix. No matter your preference, you’re walking away from this meal nourished.
A Recipe That Respects Your Time
Whether you’re juggling work-from-home calls, chasing toddlers, or just trying to enjoy a relaxing summer day, quick and easy meals are key. This pasta salad comes together in about 25 minutes, with most of the time spent waiting on the pasta to cook and toasting the seeds.
Everything else—from chopping herbs to tossing the final salad—can be prepped while the pasta is boiling. The recipe is forgiving and flexible, which makes it an ideal choice for beginner cooks, busy families, or anyone who wants a one-bowl meal without a lot of cleanup.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With It
This pasta salad is hearty enough to serve as a main dish but also versatile enough to accompany a wide array of meals. If you’re serving it as a side, it pairs beautifully with grilled proteins such as:
Grilled shrimp or salmon
Lemon herb chicken
BBQ tofu or tempeh for a vegan option
It also complements summer classics like veggie burgers, sandwiches, or kebabs. For drinks, go for something citrus-forward like a lemonade, lime agua fresca, or even a light rosé or sparkling water with herbs.
If you’re hosting a cookout or picnic, consider rounding out the table with fresh watermelon slices, a leafy green salad, or grilled peaches for a sweet finish.
A Make-Ahead Hero
One of the best things about this pasta salad is how well it stores. In fact, the flavor only improves after it has a chance to marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes or more. This makes it an excellent meal prep recipe for lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, and it’s just as enjoyable cold as it is served slightly warm. If you’re planning to take it to a potluck or event, you can make it the night before without sacrificing taste or texture.
The pesto may thicken slightly in the fridge, so feel free to toss in a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving to loosen it up.
Customization Ideas to Make It Your Own
Another reason to love this recipe is how customizable it is. You can make simple swaps to tailor the dish to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some suggestions:
Change the herbs: Use basil instead of cilantro for a classic Italian vibe.
Adjust the spice level: Remove the jalapeño seeds for less heat or add a second pepper for more.
Go vegan: Skip the feta and use avocado or even a vegan cheese.
Add more veggies: Bell peppers, cucumber, zucchini, or roasted sweet potatoes are all excellent additions.
Switch the pasta: Try orzo, gluten-free pasta, or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
You can also add a squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or a dollop of Greek yogurt (if you’re not keeping it vegan) to further personalize the dressing.
What Makes This a Summer Staple
This pasta salad ticks every box: it’s refreshing, satisfying, nourishing, and endlessly flexible. It’s also visually stunning—thanks to the vibrant greens, yellows, reds, and whites—making it a beautiful dish to bring to gatherings or feature on your social media feed.
The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, especially during summer months when produce is at its peak. And while it’s designed for warm weather, you could easily adapt it for colder months by using canned corn, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted root vegetables.
Above all, it’s a celebration of everything that makes food joyful—bold flavor, color, nourishment, and sharing.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Salad
The Summertime Pasta Salad with Jalapeño Herb Pesto isn’t just a recipe—it’s an invitation to embrace the flavors of the season and make something beautiful with what you have on hand. It encourages creativity, supports wellness, and brings people together around the table.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight, impressing guests at a summer cookout, or simply treating yourself to something bright and flavorful, this dish delivers. Its combination of freshness, spice, and creamy texture makes it unforgettable, while its nutritional profile ensures you’re making a meal that loves you back.
So the next time you spot those summer veggies at the farmer’s market or dig into your herb garden, remember this dish. You’re never too far from a bowl of sunshine.