Are you ready to elevate your meal prep game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and is as easy as it is delicious? Look no further than this Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant Italian-inspired salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. With tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a rich pesto dressing, this recipe is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Trust us; once you try this refreshing salad, it will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked pasta, 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken, 1/2 cup of pesto, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, and salt and pepper to taste.
- If you haven't cooked the pasta yet, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your chicken. If you don't have pre-cooked chicken, you can cook it by seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper and grilling or baking them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and pesto. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the pesto.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Gently fold them into the pasta and chicken mixture, being careful not to crush the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and pine nuts over the top of the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give the salad one final gentle toss to combine all the ingredients.
- For added flavor, consider toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown before adding them to the salad. This step enhances their nuttiness.
- Once everything is well mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a little more pesto or a splash of olive oil.
- Serve the pesto chicken pasta salad immediately, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This dish can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Garnish with additional parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves if desired before serving. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Cook Your Pasta Perfectly: For the best texture, cook your pasta until it’s al dente. This will ensure it holds up well in the salad and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Use Quality Pesto: The flavor of your pesto can make or break this dish. Consider using homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought version for the best results.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: For an extra layer of flavor, toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re golden brown. This enhances their nuttiness and adds a lovely crunch to your salad.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences! Spinach, arugula, or even bell peppers can add more color and nutrients to your salad.
- Serve it Fresh: While this salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, serving it fresh allows the flavors to shine. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh basil for a beautiful presentation.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make a batch at the beginning of the week for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners that are ready to go.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
