It takes about 15 minutes to make.

Combine them into one day and I could die of sheer contentment.

I strive to have pasta salad in my fridge at all times throughout the summer.

5-ingredient pasta salad in a bowl with serving utensils

Simply Recipes / Photo by Andrew Bui / Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

Its also a crowd-pleaser and easy to prepare in advance for BBQs and casual summer get-togethers.

Its somehow the solution to every summer problem.

The importance of this pasta salad in my life cannot be overstated.

5-ingredient pasta salad (close-up)

Simply Recipes / Photo by Andrew Bui / Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

The same goes for the simplicity of this recipe.

Its only five ingredients and it comes together in just 15 minutes.

My Favorite Ingredients To Use

My favorite pasta shape for this salad isradiatori.

5-ingredient pesto pasta salad in a big bowl next to a glass of lemonade, a serving of pasta salad on a plate, and a stack of plates

Simply Recipes / Photo by Andrew Bui / Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

The name comes from the fact that the shape looks like miniature radiators.

They have lots of grooves and ridges so they hold the sauce well.

If you cant find radiatori, try another short pasta like elbows, farfalle, or fusilli.

This recipe calls for store-bought pesto for save time and hassle.

You could makehomemade pestoor use your favorite store-bought option.

Another one I enjoy isGotham Greens.

For the sun-dried tomatoes, look for an option stored in olive oil.

Drain and rinse with cold water.

Mix until everything is combined.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add Some Flair to This 5-Ingredient Pasta Salad

There are many ways to customize this pasta salad.

I love adding chopped kalamata olives or capers for extra briny flavor.

For protein, you could add white beans, chickpeas, or shredded chicken.

I like to add a little brightness with lemon zest or juice and fresh cherry tomatoes.

For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes.

Topping with grated Parmesan cheese rounds out the dish and compliments the Italian flavors.