Name: Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 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

If there’s one dish that defines summer ease and vibrant flavor, it’s this Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes). I absolutely love how it brings together tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, colorful veggies, and twirly pasta into a bowl bursting with taste and texture. This recipe is my go-to for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight family dinner. It’s hearty yet refreshing and, best of all, so simple that anyone can whisk it together in record time. Make it once, and it might just be your new weekday staple!

Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how little it takes to end up with such big flavor! Every ingredient in Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) is carefully chosen to maximize taste and add a pop of color or crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Cooked chicken breast: Shredded, grilled, or rotisserie chicken gives hearty protein and soaks up the pesto beautifully.
Pasta of choice: Fusilli, penne, or bowtie pasta catch the pesto perfectly in every bite—choose your favorite shape!
Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness balances the savory pesto and adds color.
Fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta: Creamy cheese offers richness and contrast to the herby sauce.
Red onion: Thin slices add a zippy crunch and a subtle bite.
Baby spinach or arugula: Greens bring a peppery brightness and fresh texture.
Pine nuts or almonds: A sprinkle for crunch—pan-toast them for extra flavor!
Fresh basil leaves: The heart of your homemade pesto, so choose fragrant, vibrant leaves.
Garlic cloves: A bold hint of garlicky kick brings the pesto to life.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to your pesto sauce.
Olive oil: For blending the pesto silky and smooth—use good quality for the best flavor.
Lemon juice: A splash creates brightness and lifts the flavors up.
Pine nuts (for pesto): Their creaminess smooths and softens the pesto’s texture.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to finish and balance every bite.

How to Make Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Get things rolling by boiling your chosen pasta in well-salted water—think of this as your dish’s flavor foundation! Cook until just al dente, so it holds up nicely when tossed. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water; this cools it quickly and stops any further cooking, keeping every piece perfectly chewy.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re not reaching for rotisserie chicken, season your raw breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then grill or sear until golden and cooked through. Giving the chicken a short rest before slicing or shredding helps keep those juices locked in, guaranteeing tender bites mixed throughout your salad.

Step 3: Make the Pesto

It’s time for the magic: in a food processor, toss in your fresh basil, garlic, grated Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and pine nuts. Blitz until creamy and smooth, adding a bit more olive oil if needed. Homemade pesto smells incredible and makes every spoonful of this Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) special.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In your biggest mixing bowl, layer in your cooked pasta, prepared chicken, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella or feta, red onions, and greens. Pour that freshly made pesto right on top, then toss everything together until beautifully coated. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or almonds for an irresistible crunch!

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Let the full bowl of Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) rest for at least 15 minutes so the flavors meld together. The downtime lets the pesto permeate every noodle, making each forkful more delicious. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the ultimate refreshing meal!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes)

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, I love showering the top with extra fresh basil leaves, a scattering of Parm shavings, and a drizzle of olive oil. Roasted pine nuts or almond slivers give an extra bit of flair, while a few halved cherry tomatoes on top look picture-perfect.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with crusty artisan bread or buttery garlic knots for sopping up any leftover pesto. It’s also a dream next to grilled vegetables or a simple green salad if you want to keep things extra light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stuffing Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) into halved bell peppers for a colorful twist, or serve in mason jars for a cute, portable lunch. Arrange the salad atop a platter lined with extra greens for a family-style statement centerpiece at your next party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge—this salad keeps beautifully for up to three days. In fact, a bit of time only melts the flavors together even more!

Freezing

While you technically could freeze Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes), I recommend against it. The fresh greens and cheese lose their lively texture after thawing, and the pesto can separate. It’s best made fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad truly shines served cold or at room temperature! If you must warm it, use the microwave for 20–30 seconds, but remember: excessive heat will wilt the greens and melt the cheese, so a gentle touch is key.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?

Definitely! Store-bought pesto is a handy shortcut and will still make your Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) taste amazing. Just look for one with vibrant color and a strong basil aroma—freshness is key.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fusilli, penne, and bowtie are all fantastic because their shapes trap the pesto and mix-ins nicely. Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to suit your preference.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken or swap it for white beans or grilled tofu. The salad stays hearty and flavorful without any meat.

Is Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) good for meal prep?

It’s excellent for meal prep—this salad stays tasty in the fridge and actually gets more flavorful day by day. Just keep a bit of extra pesto on hand to freshen it up before serving.

How can I make the salad more kid-friendly?

Keep ingredients bite-sized for little hands, and try using mozzarella pearls for a fun, creamy texture. If your kids aren’t into onions or greens, simply leave those out or serve them on the side.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes), you’ll see why it’s on heavy rotation in my kitchen. It’s quick, customizable, and bursting with fresh flavors that make every meal feel like a celebration. Give it a shot, and let this delicious, breezy salad earn a permanent spot in your recipe box!

Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 21 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and a vibrant homemade pesto come together with pasta for a delightful meal.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Season and cook the chicken until fully done. Let it rest and then slice or shred.
Step 3: Make the Pesto Blend basil, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and pine nuts until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad Combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, onion, and spinach. Toss with pesto and add nuts.
Step 5: Chill & Serve Let the salad sit for flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a day.
You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, such as adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Mixing, Tossing
Cuisine: Italian