Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of vegetables with the savory taste of chicken and the rich flavor of basil pesto. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a potluck gathering. This salad is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy days.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup homemade basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper.
- Add the homemade basil pesto and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad can be served right after preparation. It is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a great option for summer days. You can place it in a large bowl for sharing or portion it into individual servings. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a side of fruit for a complete meal.
How to Store Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Store any leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to three days. If the pasta absorbs too much of the pesto, you can add a little extra pesto before serving to refresh the flavors.
Tips to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Use pasta shapes that hold the pesto well, like rotini or fusilli.
- Add vegetables according to your taste. Other good options are olives, spinach, or bell peppers.
- For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in some pesto before cooking.
- You can also add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
Variation
If you want to make this salad vegetarian, simply leave out the chicken and add more vegetables or beans. You can also substitute the homemade basil pesto with store-bought if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well if you don’t have time to make it at home.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until serving.
Can I freeze Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad because the pasta and vegetables may become mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A delightful dish combining fresh vegetables, savory chicken, and rich basil pesto, perfect for quick lunches or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup homemade basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper.
- Add the homemade basil pesto and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken and add more vegetables or beans. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta salad, chicken salad, pesto salad, easy lunch, summer salad
