Busy moms need quick and delicious meals that keep everyone happy. This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s filled with vibrant flavors, hearty ingredients, and it’s easy to whip up. This recipe is perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a simple dinner. You can make it in no time and serve it chilled or at room temperature.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad works wonders for families. It is simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand. The combination of protein from the chicken and the carbs from the pasta makes it a filling option that keeps everyone satisfied. Plus, kids love the taste of pesto and the crunch of fresh veggies. Whether you need a quick lunch or a side dish for dinner, this recipe has you covered. Minimal prep and small cleanup make it a go-to choice for busy evenings.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or fusilli)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup homemade basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and basil pesto.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Toss until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
A quick and delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad filled with vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients, perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a simple dinner.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or fusilli)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup homemade basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and basil pesto.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Toss until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad can be served as a main dish or as a side. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to Serve
You can serve this chicken pesto pasta salad as a main dish or as a side. Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or crispy garlic bread for a complete meal. For a more casual gathering, offer it alongside other finger foods. This salad is also perfect for meal prep. Pack it in individual containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
How to Store
You can store Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits, making it even tastier after a day. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in the microwave, but it’s equally delicious served cold.
Tips and Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe. You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or leftover steak for a different protein option. Add more veggies like spinach or kale for extra nutrients. For a dairy-free version, skip the parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. This salad’s versatility makes it fun to adapt to your family’s preferences.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have blended.
Is the pesto store-bought?
You can use store-bought pesto for convenience, but homemade pesto adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
What types of pasta work best?
Rotini and fusilli are great options because they hold the sauce well. You can also use penne or farfalle.
Conclusion
This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a must-try recipe for any busy mom. Quick to put together and packed with flavor, it checks all the boxes for a family meal. Go ahead and give it a try. Your family will love it, and you will appreciate the ease of making it! Save this recipe for later, and enjoy the deliciousness.
