why make this recipe
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of vegetables with the savoriness of chicken and the rich flavor of pesto. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. This salad is not only tasty but also colorful and nutritious, providing a nice balance of protein and carbs. Plus, it’s great served cold or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
how to make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients :
- 2 cups cooked pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and diced chicken.
- Add the basil pesto and mix until well coated.
- Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let flavors meld.
- Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature.
- Optionally, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
To store Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider storing the dressing separately and mixing it in just before serving.
how to serve Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
You can serve Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad as a main dish or as a side. It’s perfect alongside grilled meats or served at gatherings. For a special touch, top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
how to store Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
To store your Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. This salad will stay fresh for up to three days. If you are planning to keep it longer, it’s best to store the pesto dressing on the side and mix it in when you are ready to serve.
tips to make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Use any type of cooked pasta you prefer; whole grain or gluten-free pasta works well too.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, for added nutrition and flavor.
- For a bit more flavor, try adding some garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice to the salad mix.
variation
You can swap out chicken for grilled shrimp or omit the meat for a vegetarian version. Additionally, try using different pesto flavors, like sun-dried tomato pesto, for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto is a great time-saver and works wonderfully in this recipe.
2. How long does Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad last in the refrigerator?
The salad will typically last up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge.
3. Can I freeze Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad?
It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the pasta and fresh vegetables may change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Mediterranean
Description
A delightful chicken pesto pasta salad that combines fresh vegetables with savory chicken and rich pesto, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and diced chicken.
- Add the basil pesto and mix until well coated.
- Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let flavors meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Optionally, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Notes
Use any type of cooked pasta you prefer; whole grain or gluten-free pasta works well too. For added nutrition, include other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can also try adding garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg