Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad: A Delicious, Easy, and Versatile Meal - Our Recipe Box

When it comes to fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meals, chicken pesto pasta salad checks every box. Whether you’re planning a summer cookout, prepping lunches for the week, or simply craving something hearty yet refreshing, this dish delivers in every way. It’s easy to make, packed with bold ingredients, and wonderfully flexible for any lifestyle or occasion.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

This pasta salad isn’t just another side dish—it’s a complete meal that brings together vibrant ingredients and a medley of textures. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Full of Flavor: The herby richness of pesto, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and tender garlic-seasoned chicken create a flavor-packed bite every time.
Quick & Easy: Whether you cook everything from scratch or use shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and store-bought pesto, this recipe comes together in about 25 minutes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or entertaining.
Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. From pasta shapes to protein choices and homemade vs. store-bought pesto, the options are endless.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this salad, you only need a few simple ingredients, most of which are pantry or fridge staples:

Pasta: Use any short shape like rotini, fusilli, farfalle, or cavatappi. Bucatini is shown in the original version.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts work great—seasoned and grilled or sautéed. For convenience, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic substitute.
Pesto: Homemade or store-bought pesto both work. Brands like DeLallo are excellent choices for jarred pesto.
Mozzarella: Small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) add a creamy texture. Slice them if needed.
Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes offer a sweet burst. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a fresh bite.
Parmesan: Pre-shredded or grated cheese adds a salty, nutty finish.
Red Wine Vinegar: A splash mixed with pesto enhances depth and thins out the sauce for better coverage.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, and pepper bring everything together.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and let it cool slightly so it won’t wilt the spinach or dull the pesto.

2. Cook the Chicken

Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or cook in a skillet until golden and fully cooked (165°F). Let it rest, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

3. Mix the Pesto Base

In a large bowl, stir together pesto and red wine vinegar. This base helps coat the ingredients evenly while adding a tangy twist.

4. Assemble the Salad

Add cooked pasta, chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.

5. Taste and Adjust

Sample the salad and add more salt, pepper, or pesto as needed. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

Avoid Dryness: If the salad feels dry after storing, add a bit more pesto or thin it with a splash of water or vinegar.
Eat It Cold or Warm: This dish is equally delicious straight from the fridge or gently warmed.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is a template you can personalize. Try these variations:

Add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
Use different greens like arugula or kale.
Try alternative proteins like shrimp or tofu.
Switch the pesto to a sun-dried tomato or zucchini version for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

Chicken pesto pasta salad is more than just a quick meal—it’s a flavorful, nutritious dish that satisfies all year long. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and bold taste make it a favorite for busy weeknights, laid-back lunches, or festive gatherings. Whether you stick to the classic version or mix in your own spin, this salad is bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

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