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    "home" » Recipes » SALAD

    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Published: Feb 28, 2023 · Modified: Jul 11, 2023 by Sophie Viau

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    This quick and easy recipe for pesto chicken pasta salad is the perfect weeknight meal. Packed with protein and veggies, it's a complete meal in one dish. And best of all, it only takes 30 minutes to make.

    If you love pasta salad make sure to try out this Summer Tortellini Salad

    Why you will love this recipe

    Making pesto pasta salad could not get any easier! With only a few fresh ingredients you can easily find at your grocery store, this dish comes together quickly and is perfect for days when you don't have a lot of time but still want something delicious. or a quick lunch you can make during Sunday meal prep

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • Top tip
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Ingredients

    • rotini uncooked
    • baby spinach
    • cherry tomatoes
    • rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken
    • bell pepper
    • mini fresh mozzarella (bocconcini) or mozzarella pearls
    • salt
    • black pepper
    • pesto (storebought or homemade)

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Place the pasta in a large bowl.

    Add the chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, bell pepper, mozzarella balls, salt and pepper to the bowl with the pasta.

    Pour Pesto on top. Toss to cover all the ingredients with the pesto.

    Serve immediately or place in the fridge for 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop even more.

    Variations

    You can customize your pesto pasta salad with any ingredients you like. Some popular additions include black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, feta cheese, vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, and nuts such as walnuts or almonds. You can also add a variety of herbs like fresh basil leaves or lemon zest to your pesto pasta salad to give it an extra flavor kick.

    Storage

    To store pesto pasta salad, it is best to keep it in an airtight container with a lid and refrigerate it. This will help preserve the freshness of the ingredients. The pesto pasta salad should be eaten within three to four days of being made.

    Top tip

    When it comes to ingredients for chicken pesto pasta salad, there are a few things to note. First and foremost, you want to be sure that whatever type of pasta you use is cooked according to its package directions. Next, when using pesto sauce, you can either use store-bought pesto or make your own fresh basil pesto. You can also substitute the pesto sauce with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Lastly, you can use any type of vegetables and cheese that you prefer in this dish to tailor it to your taste buds!

    FAQ

    What other ingredients can I add?

    You can customize your pesto pasta salad with any ingredients you like. Some popular additions include black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, feta cheese, vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, and nuts such as walnuts or almonds. You can also add a variety of herbs like fresh basil leaves or lemon zest to your pesto pasta salad to give it an extra flavor kick.

    What can I serve with this delicious pasta salad?

    Pesto pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that pairs well with many different sides. It can be served as a main course for a meal or as a cold side dish. You can serve it with grilled proteins such as chicken, fish, or beef, and crusty bread.

     What is the best pesto sauce to use for the best results?

    The best pesto sauce to use depends on your personal preference. For a more traditional Italian flavor, you can opt for classic basil pesto made from fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and salt. If you’re looking for something a bit different, try sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto.

    Can I use another type of pasta?

    Yes, you can use other types of pasta for your pesto pasta salad. Whole wheat pasta, chickpea pasta, quinoa pasta, and brown rice pasta are all great options that provide a nutritious addition to the dish.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • The Best Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad
    • Spicy Sausage Pasta
    • Summer Tortellini Salad
    • Dutch Oven One Pot Pasta

    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Sophie Viau
    This quick and easy recipe for pesto chicken pasta salad is the perfect weeknight meal. Packed with protein and veggies, it's a complete meal in one dish. And best of all, it only takes 30 minutes to make.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 12 minutes mins
    Total Time 27 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6
    Calories 488 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound rotini uncooked
    • 3 cups baby spinach chooped
    • 2 cups cherry tomatoes cut in half
    • 1 ½ cups rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken
    • 1 bell pepper chopped chopped
    • 1 package (7oz) mini fresh mozzarella (bocconcini) or mozzarella pearls
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ cup pesto storebougth or homemade

    Instructions
     

    • In a large pot cook pasta al dente as directed on the package. Once cook, rinse and drain under cold water.
    • Place the pasta in a large bowl.
    • Add the chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, bell pepper, mozzarella balls, salt and pepper to the bowl with the pasta.
    • Pour Pesto on top. Toss to cover all the ingredients with the pesto.
    • Serve immediately or place in the fridge for 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop even more.

    Notes

    To store pesto pasta salad, it is best to keep it in an airtight container with a lid and refrigerate it. This will help preserve the freshness of the ingredients. The pesto pasta salad should be eaten within three to four days of being made.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 488kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 28gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 810mgPotassium: 406mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2690IUVitamin C: 41mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword salad
    Tried this recipe?TAG Noble Veggies

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    Hi, I'm Sophie a recipe developer and food photographer. I created this blog to share quick and easy recipes for busy weekdays, there's something for everyone. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out—I would be thrilled to hear from you!

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