Christmas Pasta Salad
This Christmas pasta salad is a festive and flavorful dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings! With a mix of bright colors (red and green!!) and fresh flavors, it’s an easy make-ahead recipe that looks beautiful on the table and pairs well with just about anything. A drizzle of balsamic glaze makes it extra special for the holiday season.
Looking for more fun, festive salads? Try this gorgeous Christmas layered salad, and show-stopping Christmas wreath salad plus 12 more easy, festive Christmas salad recipes!
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Christmas pasta salad:
For the dressing
For the salad
Ingredient Notes, Substitutions & Additions
Pasta: You can use any shape you like, but bow ties are pretty and festive 🙂
Sun-dried tomatoes: If you use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (best flavor!), drain off any excess oil. Roasted red peppers and homemade slow-roasted tomatoes also work nicely in this salad.
Pesto: My favorite store-bought pesto is the basil pesto from Costco! Use your favorite or make your own homemade pesto (you cannot beat the flavor and freshness of homemade pesto!)
Italian dressing: Your favorite bottled Italian dressing will do (we love Ken’s) or whip your own “semi-homemade” Italian dressing!
Baby arugula: This is a KEY ingredient and gives the pasta salad a fresh, vibrant “bite!” You can also use baby spinach or kale but the flavor isn’t quite as yummy!
Balsamic glaze: This is the perfect way to finish this salad and looks sooo pretty and elegant! Store-bought is fine, but you can easily make your own balsamic glaze!
Additions: Need some crunch? Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds give this salad a bit of crunch and texture.
How to Make a Holiday Pasta Salad: Step by Step
Casey’s Tips
- Make ahead: Prep the salad a few hours or a day in advance, but add the arugula and balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Fancy mozzarella: Shape your mozzarella into hearts or Christmas tree shapes to make this salad EXTRA festive! Complete (easy!) instructions here!
- Homemade pesto: Store-bought pesto is just fine if you have one you love. But nothing will beat the super fresh flavor of this homemade basil arugula pesto! If you have an extra 5 minutes, MAKE IT!
- Presentation perfect: This red and green-based salad is beautiful served in a bright white serving dish or tray. You can take a step further and use a pretty, white Christmas tree platter like this one!
- Storage: This salad holds up well in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How to serve
Holiday side: This pasta salad is a unique addition to your classics like green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Lighter option: Having a casual pre-holiday party? Pair this pasta salad with a charcuterie spread and serve some Prosecco, or a festive holiday cocktail on the side!
Mini cups or glasses: Layer the Christmas pasta salad into small clear cups or even small, stemless wine glasses! This makes it easy for guests to grab a serving at parties without juggling a big plate, plus the red, white, and green layers look stunning when served individually.
Did you try this recipe?
Let us know your thoughts on this Christmas pasta salad by leaving a star rating below or sharing it on Instagram!
Thank you! ~ Casey
Christmas Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the pasta salad
- 16 oz. bow-tie pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, roughly chopped off any excess oil
- 1 cup small mozzarella balls, sliced in half if needed
- 1 cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby arugula, roughly chopped
- balsamic glaze, for drizzling store bought or homemade
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain, then rinse with cool water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
- Make the dressing: While the pasta is cooking, make the dressing. In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together pesto and Italian dressing. Set aside.
- Assemble: To a large bowl, add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and mozzarella. Add cooled pasta and toss with the dressing. Sprinkle in chopped arugula and gently toss. Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prep the salad a few hours or a day in advance, but add the arugula and balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Homemade pesto: Store-bought pesto is just fine if you have one you love. But nothing will beat the super fresh flavor of this homemade basil arugula pesto! If you have an extra 5 minutes, MAKE IT!
- Presentation perfect: This red and green-based salad is beautiful served in a bright white serving dish or tray. You can take a step further and use a pretty, white Christmas tree platter like this one!
- Storage: This salad holds up well in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Do something unique and different this year for your Christmas side dishes! This pasta salad is as delicious as it is beautiful! I know you will love it! XO ~ Casey