Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Want a new, tasty, and easy-to-make meal? This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a great recipe for any time.
Fresh veggies, creamy cheese, tender chicken, al dente pasta, and bright basil pesto make a dish that is both filling and balanced.
The best thing is? You may change it a lot by adding your favorite pasta, more veggies, or more cheese.
This recipe is easy to make, so it’s a great choice for hectic weeknights or celebrations.
This salad is great for a quick lunch, a refreshing side dish for a summer BBQ, or a recipe that is easy to make ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad with Chicken Pesto
- Fast and simple—ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, and delicate chicken provide a tasty mix of fresh flavors.
- Great for dinner prep—eat it cold right out of the fridge.
- You can change the ingredients to suit your tastes.
Pasta salad with chicken and pesto that is easy to make in 25 minutes
This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a fresh, tasty, and simple recipe that is great for making ahead of time, quick lunches, or summer parties. Made with delicate chicken, al dente pasta, handmade basil pesto, and fresh veggies, this salad is packed with brilliant flavors.
Time to get ready: 10 minutes
Time to cook: 15 minutes
Total Time25minutes mins
CourseMain Course, Salad, Side Dish
CuisineItalian
Servings4
Calories450 kcal
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast grilled, shredded, or rotisserie
- 3 cups pasta of choice fusilli, penne, or bowtie
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
- ¼ cup pine nuts or almonds for crunch
For the Pesto Dressing:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If using raw chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then grill or pan-sear until fully cooked.
Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
Step 3: Make the Pesto
In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and pine nuts.
Blend until smooth, adding extra olive oil if needed to reach a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add cooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, and spinach.
Pour the pesto over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Sprinkle with pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to enable the flavors to blend.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Changes and additions to the recipe
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Add cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers to your veggies.
- If you don’t want dairy, you can use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan in the pesto.
- If you don’t eat gluten, you can use chickpea or gluten-free pasta instead of ordinary spaghetti.
How to Make the Best Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Use fresh pesto. Homemade pesto tastes the best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- Cook pasta until it is al dente. If you overcook it, it can get mushy in salads.
- Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to bring out the flavors.
- Change the consistency of the pesto. If it is too thick, add extra olive oil to make it thinner.
What to Eat with Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Bruschetta or garlic bread
- A new green salad with balsamic dressing
- Vegetables grilled or potatoes roasted
Tips for storing food and getting ready for meals
- You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days if you put them in an airtight container.
- If you make it ahead of time, keep the pesto separate and blend it before serving.
- If the pasta soaks up too much pesto, sprinkle some olive oil on top before serving.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I cook this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. For optimum results, store the pesto separately and stir it in before serving to keep the salad fresh.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowtie works great. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used.
Can I add additional vegetables?
Yes, for sure! Adding cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado is a terrific idea.