Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Herby Goodness

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful and easy salad recipe that combines the flavors of tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and al dente pasta. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner, this recipe is both satisfying and refreshing.

With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious meal that showcases the classic combination of chicken and pesto, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals or potluck gatherings.

Simple and Flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad features cooked pasta tossed with grilled chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and a mix of colorful vegetables. It’s a quick recipe that serves 4 and can be made ahead for easier meal planning.

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini works well)
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to coat all ingredients with the pesto.
Season: Add grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately. Alternatively, refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.