Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This easy chicken pesto pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or as a satisfying meal prep option. Combining tender grilled chicken, fresh spinach, and bursts of cherry tomatoes with creamy mozzarella and fragrant pesto, it’s both simple and delicious.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta (cooked)
- 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups spinach (fresh, packed)
- 1 pound grilled chicken (diced)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 ounces mozzarella balls (halved)
- ¼ cup basil leaves (torn)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook your pasta according to package directions. Heavily salt the water and cook the pasta for about 1 minute less than the listed time to ensure perfect al dente texture.
- Step 2: Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the bowl of pesto sauce without rinsing. Gently toss until all noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Step 3: Mix in the fresh spinach and stir a few times so it wilts slightly from the heat of the pasta.
- Step 4: Add the diced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Gently stir everything together to combine.
- Step 5: Serve the pasta salad warm right away, or chill it in the fridge and serve cold for a refreshing option.
Tips & Variations
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences without losing flavor.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty aroma.
- Switch out grilled chicken for cooked shrimp or chickpeas to make a different protein twist.
- For a creamier salad, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
- If using store-bought pesto, taste and adjust with extra garlic or lemon juice for brighter flavor.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature before serving if preferred. Gently toss before serving as the sauce may thicken when cold.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad holds up well when made a few hours in advance or the day before serving. Just keep it refrigerated and stir before serving.
What type of pesto works best for this recipe?
Classic basil pesto works beautifully here, but you can also experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for different flavors.
PrintEasy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
A vibrant and easy-to-make chicken pesto pasta salad that combines al dente pasta, flavorful pesto, fresh spinach, grilled chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella balls, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner served warm or chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 ounces pasta (cooked)
- 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 cups spinach (fresh, packed)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 ounces mozzarella balls (halved)
- ¼ cup basil leaves (torn)
Protein
- 1 pound grilled chicken (diced)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook your pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to heavily salt the water and cook the pasta for about 1 minute less than the recommended time to achieve perfect al dente texture.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the pesto sauce bowl. Do not rinse the pasta as the starch helps the sauce cling better. Gently toss until all noodles are thoroughly coated in the pesto.
- Add Spinach: Mix in the fresh spinach and stir a few times until it slightly wilts from the residual heat of the pasta.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Gently stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad immediately while warm or refrigerate and serve chilled according to preference.
Notes
- Do not rinse pasta after cooking to retain starch for better sauce adhesion.
- Pesto can be homemade or store-bought depending on your preference or time availability.
- Grilled chicken adds smoky flavor; alternatively, rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Serving warm highlights flavors differently than serving chilled, both options are delicious.
- For added texture, consider adding toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Keywords: chicken pesto pasta salad, easy pasta salad, grilled chicken pasta, pesto pasta, fresh spinach salad, mozzarella pasta salad, summer pasta salad
