If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, potlucks, or even a light dinner, this Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh, tangy pesto tossed with juicy little tomatoes and a punch of red onion for contrast. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both fresh and satisfying, making it a breeze to whip up on a busy weeknight or to pack for picnics and gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the key to nailing this Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color — from the al dente penne’s chewiness to the bright pop of halved little tomatoes. These simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create something extraordinary.
- 4 cups uncooked penne: Provides a sturdy base with the perfect bite, holding the pesto without getting mushy.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Adds hearty protein and a comforting, savory element to the salad.
- 5 ounces little tomatoes (halved): Brings sweetness and juiciness that balances the richness of the pesto.
- 1/4 cup red onions (chopped): Offers a sharp, zesty crunch that brightens every forkful.
- 1 cup pesto: The star of the show that infuses every ingredient with herby, garlicky goodness — homemade or store-bought works beautifully.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta until it’s perfectly al dente according to the package instructions. This ensures a pleasant firmness that won’t get lost once tossed with the pesto and other ingredients. After cooking, rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together, then drain it well. Cooling the pasta like this is exactly what keeps your salad fresh and vibrant.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
While your pasta cooks, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Chop the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces that will seamlessly blend with every forkful. Halve the little tomatoes carefully so they release their juicy sweetness without overwhelming the salad. Finely chop the red onions to add just the right amount of piquant crunch without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled penne, chicken, tomatoes, and red onions. Spoon in the pesto generously — this is where the magic happens, as the vibrant green pesto transforms all those simple ingredients into something truly special. Toss everything gently to coat evenly, making sure each bite will burst with herby, garlicky flavor. Finally, season with salt and pepper to suit your taste and give it a final toss.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can dive right in and serve your Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe immediately for a fresh, lively experience. Alternatively, pop it in the fridge to chill for an hour or two if you prefer your salad cold and more cohesive in flavor. Either way, it’s guaranteed to impress.
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate your Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe and make it visually stunning. Consider sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan over the top for a subtle salty tang. Toasted pine nuts add a wonderful crunch and echo the traditional pesto flavors wonderfully. A few fresh basil leaves not only look gorgeous but amplify the pesto’s herbaceous notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a satisfying main course but can also be partnered with lighter sides to round out a meal. Crisp garden salads with a simple vinaigrette complement the rich pesto perfectly. If you’re serving it for a picnic or casual gathering, fresh breadsticks or garlic bread alongside add a comforting carb to soak up every last bit of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Serve this Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe in clear glass bowls to showcase the vivid green pesto, red tomatoes, and golden pieces of chicken. For a party, divide it into individual mason jars with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top — easy to grab and incredibly charming. You could even stuff the salad inside hollowed mini bell peppers for an eye-catching appetizer option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld together even more after a day, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Because of the fresh tomatoes and pesto, freezing this pasta salad isn’t recommended as the texture and flavor can be compromised. Instead, focus on making it fresh or storing it chilled short-term to preserve that delightful freshness.
Reheating
This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a warm salad, gently warm the chicken separately and toss it in just before serving, keeping the pasta and veggies cool for the best texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While penne works great because it holds the pesto well, other shapes like fusilli or rotini would also be delicious and hold the dressing nicely.
Is store-bought pesto good enough for this recipe?
Definitely. High-quality store-bought pesto can save you time and still deliver fantastic flavor. However, homemade pesto adds that extra special touch if you have a little time to prepare it.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken or substitute it with grilled vegetables, chickpeas, or a plant-based chicken alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.
How long does this salad keep well in the fridge?
It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Can I add other veggies to the salad?
Of course! Feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives for extra crunch and flavor. Just keep in mind that very watery veggies might need to be drained well to avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — fresh, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something quick but still special, or when you’re feeding a crowd that appreciates simple yet bold tastes. I can’t recommend it enough. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love!
Print
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad featuring tender penne, juicy little tomatoes, and savory pesto dressing. This dish is perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or side salad, combining cooked chicken with fresh vegetables and a zesty homemade or store-bought pesto.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 4 cups uncooked penne pasta
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Vegetables
- 5 ounces little tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onions, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drain thoroughly.
- Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, halve the little tomatoes and chop the red onions. Shred or dice the cooked chicken if not already done.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, halved tomatoes, chopped onions, and pesto. Mix well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Season: Taste and season the pasta salad with salt and pepper according to your preference. Toss again to distribute seasoning.
- Serve or Chill: The salad can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator before serving to enhance flavors and provide a refreshing cold dish.
Notes
- For best flavor, use homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought pesto.
- Chicken can be replaced with grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add fresh basil leaves or arugula for extra herbaceous notes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
