Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Introduction
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a quick and easy dish that brings together the fresh flavors of basil pesto, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables. It’s perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or potluck. With twisty pasta and colorful ingredients, this salad is not only tasty but also visually appealing!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple to prepare and takes less than 30 minutes. Second, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken. Lastly, it’s versatile—you can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!
How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Making this salad is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite spiral pasta)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, shredded chicken, tomatoes, and arugula.
- Add pesto and toss until everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and pine nuts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill before serving or enjoy right away!
How to Serve Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls. You can also enjoy it as a main dish or a side salad at barbecues and gatherings. Feel free to add extra toppings like olives or bell peppers for added flavor!
How to Store Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If you plan to keep it for longer, consider storing the pesto separately to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Tips to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
- Use whole-grain pasta for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, or cucumber for extra crunch.
- If making homemade pesto, add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and flavor.
Variation
You can switch out the chicken for grilled shrimp or diced tofu to cater to different tastes or dietary needs. Additionally, swapping arugula for spinach or kale works beautifully too!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto is a great time-saver and still provides wonderful flavor.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
3. Can I add more protein to this salad?
Absolutely! You can include more chicken, add chickpeas, or even some mozzarella cheese for extra protein and texture.
Enjoy making and sharing your Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad! It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that everyone will appreciate.
Print
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Description
A quick and easy dish combining the fresh flavors of basil pesto, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables, perfect for a light lunch or potluck.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite spiral pasta)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, shredded chicken, tomatoes, and arugula.
- Add pesto and toss until everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and pine nuts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill before serving or enjoy right away!
Notes
Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pasta Salad, Pesto, Chicken Salad, Quick Recipes, Healthy Meals