Name: Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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

Jump to Recipe·4 from 66 reviews

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful meal that combines freshness with hearty satisfaction, then this Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a bright Italian-inspired dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious homemade pesto dressing packed with basil and Parmesan. Whether you want a quick lunch, a shareable side, or a light dinner, this salad’s harmony of textures and tastes will make it a fast favorite. Get ready to fall in love with how simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The dish shows a white bowl filled with layers starting from a base of twisted pasta coated in green pesto, giving a textured, spiral look. Scattered throughout are bright green spinach leaves with a smooth fresh texture. On top, there are several halved cherry tomatoes, bright red and juicy, adding pops of color. White round mozzarella balls are placed evenly, providing a smooth and creamy contrast. Slices of light beige cooked chicken with a green pesto coating are arranged on the top layer. Also, small golden pine nuts are sprinkled over, adding texture and richness to the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe keeps the preparation straightforward and ensures every bite bursts with flavor. Each component plays a key role, from the protein-packed chicken to the fresh basil-laden pesto, and the crunchy nuts that add an irresistible texture contrast.

2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use grilled, shredded, or rotisserie chicken for tender, flavorful protein.
3 cups pasta of choice: Fusilli, penne, or bowtie pasta work perfectly, as their shapes hold the pesto beautifully.
1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
½ cup fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy richness and tang.
¼ cup red onion: Thinly sliced for a hint of sharpness and crunch.
1 cup baby spinach or arugula: Greens that bring freshness and a touch of earthiness to the dish.
¼ cup pine nuts or almonds: For delightful crunch and nutty depth.
2 cups fresh basil leaves: The star of our pesto, delivering that unmistakable herbaceous aroma.
2 garlic cloves: Adds a subtle kick to the pesto dressing.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory umami power to the pesto.
⅓ cup olive oil: Creates that silky, smooth texture in the dressing.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens and balances the flavors wonderfully.
¼ cup pine nuts: Blended into the pesto for extra richness.
Salt & pepper: To taste, seasoning every element just right.

How to Make Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your preferred pasta in salted water until al dente, just tender but with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad, ensuring it holds its texture when tossed with the pesto dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re starting with raw chicken, season the meat lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder to enhance its flavor. Grill or pan-sear the chicken until cooked through, allowing it to rest before slicing or shredding. This resting step locks in the juices, so you get moist and flavorful protein in every bite of your salad.

Step 3: Make the Pesto

Time to bring that pesto magic alive! In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and pine nuts. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, adding a little more olive oil if needed. This homemade pesto dressing is the heart of the salad, tying together all the flavors with its vibrant herbiness and creamy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss together your cooked pasta, tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, cheesy mozzarella or feta, red onion slices, and leafy greens. Pour the freshly made pesto over everything and stir gently until every component is evenly coated. For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle extra pine nuts or almonds on top for a delightful crunch that elevates the salad’s texture.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Allow the salad to rest for at least 15 minutes in the fridge so the flavors can mingle and deepen. This resting period really makes the Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe shine. Then, serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing, delicious meal that’s ready to impress.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding garnishes to your salad can elevate both flavor and visual appeal. Fresh basil leaves scattered on top enhance the pesto’s green freshness, while a gentle grating of Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish. A few extra toasted pine nuts provide crunch and an inviting nutty aroma that complements the dish perfectly.

Side Dishes

This salad can easily stand alone as a satisfying main, but pairing it with light side dishes like a crisp green salad or garlic bread makes it an even more memorable meal. A bowl of roasted vegetables or a simple soup can also balance the meal with warmth and heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual mason jars for a picnic-ready presentation. You can also pile it on a large wooden board surrounded by sliced baguette and olives for an inviting shared feast. Even in a simple bowl, the vibrant colors and textures of this salad make it a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the freshness of the ingredients while allowing the flavors to continue melding.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the fresh ingredients, especially the greens and cheese, can lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.

Reheating

This pasta salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for a bit, but avoid microwaving to preserve the pesto’s vibrant flavor and the salad’s fresh crunch.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken from a store-bought rotisserie?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time while still delivering delicious flavor, making this Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe even easier to prepare.

Is it possible to make the pesto without a food processor?

Yes, you can finely chop all the pesto ingredients by hand and then mix them together with olive oil to create a rustic but tasty version of the dressing.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or bowtie are ideal because they hold onto the pesto dressing well, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Can I substitute other nuts instead of pine nuts?

Definitely! Almonds or walnuts are excellent alternatives that add crunch and a slightly different but delicious nutty flavor.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can make this salad up to a day ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just make sure to toss gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and keep everything fresh.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way fresh basil pesto, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in this Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe. It offers a wonderful balance of vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and effortless preparation that makes it a go-to for busy days and casual get-togethers alike. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite easy meals to make and share!