The aroma of fresh basil mingling with grilled chicken and tangy pesto wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to a sun-drenched Italian terrace. This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is not just a dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors, colors, and textures that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Cheesy Zucchini Bread Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. For more inspiration, check out this creamy chicken pasta recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad ahead of time?
- What type of pasta works best?
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine sitting at a picnic table, laughter filling the air, as family and friends dig into this delightful bowl of goodness. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or simply a weeknight dinner that feels like a culinary vacation. Get ready to savor every bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad combines ease with incredible flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights
- It’s visually stunning with its bright colors and fresh ingredients
- You can customize it based on your pantry staples, ensuring nothing goes to waste
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive gatherings!
I still remember the first time I made this salad; my friends couldn’t get enough and declared me the “Pasta Picasso” of our group.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on how many mouths you’re feeding.
- Penne Pasta: The ridges catch the pesto beautifully—go for whole wheat for extra fiber.
- Fresh Basil Pesto: Store-bought is fine, but homemade adds an irresistible freshness.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness brighten up the dish—choose vibrant red ones!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own for better flavor; it melts into the salad perfectly.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances the flavors; opt for high-quality extra virgin.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the pesto.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; use freshly cracked pepper if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Chicken: Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through.
Prepare the Pasta: While your chicken sizzles away, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Mix the Pesto Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with fresh basil pesto. Stir well until each noodle is coated in that vibrant green goodness.
Add Fresh Ingredients: Chop cherry tomatoes in half and toss them into the pasta mixture along with diced chicken. The tomatoes add color and sweetness that complements the savory notes.
Toss in Cheese and Lemon Juice: Grate Parmesan cheese directly into your salad for creaminess. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything to enhance flavors while giving it an irresistible zing.
Season & Serve!: Finally, give everything one last toss to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving immediately or refrigerating for later enjoyment.
Now you’ve got a tantalizing Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad that’s not only delicious but also easy enough for anyone to whip up! Enjoy! For more inspiration, check out this creamy seafood delight recipe.
You Must Know
- This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a crowd-pleaser
- With its fresh flavors and vibrant colors, it’s perfect for potlucks or cozy family dinners
- Plus, the satisfaction of making your own pesto is unbeatable!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta until al dente. While it cooks, grill or sauté the chicken to golden perfection, then mix everything with freshly made pesto for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for roasted veggies or chickpeas. Add cherry tomatoes or mozzarella balls for extra flavor and texture that’ll make your salad pop!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply microwave for 30 seconds, then enjoy the delightful flavors all over again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh basil for the best pesto flavor; dried herbs just won’t cut it
- Don’t overcook the pasta to keep that perfect bite
- Experiment with different nuts in your pesto for unique twists on this classic salad!
Cooking this Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad became my go-to dish for summer barbecues. Everyone raved about it, and now I can’t show my face at a gathering without bringing it!
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this dish tastes even better when made a day in advance.
What type of pasta works best?
Any short pasta like penne or fusilli holds up well in salads.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply replace chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas for protein.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience a taste of summer with this vibrant Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad. Bursting with fresh flavors, tender grilled chicken, and colorful cherry tomatoes, this dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners. With its delightful combination of textures and the irresistible aroma of homemade pesto, each bite feels like a culinary getaway. Easy to make and customizable based on your pantry staples, this salad will have your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let cool before dicing.
- 2. Prepare the Pasta: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- 3. Mix the Pesto Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with basil pesto. Stir until all noodles are evenly coated.
- 4. Add Fresh Ingredients: Fold in halved cherry tomatoes and diced chicken for added flavor and color.
- 5. Toss in Cheese and Lemon Juice: Grate Parmesan cheese into the mixture and drizzle with lemon juice for brightness.
- 6. Season & Serve: Give everything a final toss to combine well. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving immediately or refrigerating for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
