This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or a healthy dinner. Tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, and savory chicken are tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce, creating a satisfying and easy-to-make salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Versatile: This salad is packed with the bright flavors of pesto, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal cooking, this salad is a breeze to assemble.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious pasta salad:

Penne pasta: Uncooked, for a classic pasta salad experience. You can substitute with other pasta shapes if desired.
Cooked chicken: Shredded or cubed, you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes: Halved, for juicy sweetness.
Red onion: Chopped, adds a bit of bite and sweetness.
Pesto: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Other Ingredients

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Shred or cube the cooked chicken, halve the cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, and chop the red onion.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked and drained pasta, chicken, halved tomatoes, chopped red onion, and pesto sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve

You can serve the pasta salad immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for a more refreshing flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use high-quality ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables, high-quality chicken, and homemade or good-quality store-bought pesto.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, or tender but still slightly firm to the bite, to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
Adjust the pesto: Start with a smaller amount of pesto and add more to taste, depending on your preference.

How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Light Lunch or Dinner: This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a perfect light and refreshing meal for lunch or dinner.
Side Salad: Serve it as a side salad with your favorite grilled meats, fish, or sandwiches.
Party Food: It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to transport and serve at potlucks or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, but short pasta shapes, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle, work best for pasta salad.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken or use a vegetarian alternative, such as grilled tofu or chickpeas.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or olives. You can also add cheese, such as crumbled feta or grated Parmesan.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the salad.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!