Name: Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 3 cups pasta of choice (fusilli, penne, or bowtie); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta cheese; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup baby spinach or arugula; ¼ cup pine nuts or almonds for crunch; 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 2 garlic cloves; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ⅓ cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ¼ cup pine nuts; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 20 reviews

If there’s ever a dish that seamlessly combines bright, fresh flavors with utter ease, it’s this Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes). Picture juicy bites of chicken, tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a lush homemade basil pesto coming together in one big, beautiful bowl. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week, visiting friends for a summer get-together, or simply craving something that tastes just as good as it looks, this salad is a true staple. It’s the definition of versatile: easy to customize, quick from start to finish, and packed with the colorful vibrance that makes Italian-inspired meals so lovable.

Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding its own flavor, texture, or pop of color that makes this dish both stunning and irresistibly tasty.

Cooked chicken breast: Use grilled, shredded, or rotisserie for juicy protein and delicious depth—leftovers work beautifully here.
Pasta of choice: Fusilli, penne, or bowtie capture the pesto perfectly and have a lovely bite after a quick boil.
Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and acidity liven up the salad and add cheerful red color.
Fresh mozzarella balls or feta: For creamy, rich bites that make every forkful even better.
Red onion: Thinly sliced, it brings crunch and a gentle sharpness that balances out the other flavors.
Baby spinach or arugula: Adds a peppery or earthy undertone, plus a nutritious green boost.
Pine nuts or almonds: For a golden crunch that makes every bite interesting and extra delicious.
Fresh basil leaves: The soul of the pesto—choose the brightest, most fragrant leaves for best flavor.
Garlic cloves: Lends pungent depth and boldness to the pesto.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Savory, salty, and creamy, it ties the pesto together beautifully.
Olive oil: Use extra-virgin if you can, for the smoothest, richest pesto texture.
Lemon juice: Adds sparkle and balance, keeping the pesto fresh and lively.
Pine nuts (for pesto): Their buttery texture is essential for an authentic pesto dressing.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors in this vibrant salad.

How to Make Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your chosen pasta shape until perfectly al dente, following package instructions. Once drained, give the noodles a quick rinse under cold water to cool them down and halt the cooking, guaranteeing perfect texture for your salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Whether you have cooked chicken on hand or you need to make it fresh, keep things easy: grill or sauté seasoned chicken breast until golden and cooked through. Rest it for a few minutes, then slice or shred into generous pieces. Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut for days you crave the Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) in a hurry!

Step 3: Make the Pesto

Get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing! In a food processor, blend together fresh basil, garlic, grated Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and pine nuts. Blitz until smooth, scraping down the sides as you go. If you like your pesto a little looser, drizzle in a touch more olive oil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper—that vibrant, emerald-green sauce is going to make this salad sing.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In your largest mixing bowl (trust me, you’ll want space to toss), combine the cooled pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella or feta, red onion, and greens. Pour the fresh pesto over the top and toss thoroughly, ensuring every curl of pasta and bite of chicken is coated in flavor. Sprinkle in toasted pine nuts or almonds last, so they keep their perfect crunch.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

To let the flavors really come together, chill the salad for at least 15 minutes. You can enjoy it right away at room temperature, or keep it in the fridge until you’re ready. It’s perfect for easy lunches or sharing at picnics—Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) pairs with nearly every casual occasion.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes)

Garnishes

Take your salad to the next level with a flourish of fresh basil leaves, a few extra pine nuts, and an extra dusting of Parmesan right before serving. A drizzle of good olive oil will make the colors gleam and add aroma—this small touch truly makes the Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) feel special.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own but also pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or focaccia to scoop up every bit of that fresh basil pesto. A crisp green salad or a bowl of summer fruit makes for a light, refreshing meal. For a heartier spread, it can complement grilled veggies or roasted potatoes for a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving the salad in individual mason jars or on a big platter arranged with colorful toppings. Skewer salad ingredients on bamboo sticks for a fun salad-on-a-stick appetizer, or serve alongside grilled meats at your next cook-out. The Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) looks stunning in any setting—get creative with bowls, jars, or even picnic containers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep incredibly well—just store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pesto soaks into the pasta and chicken, making the flavors even more pronounced the next day. If you notice the pasta absorbing too much pesto, simply toss with a drizzle of olive oil before serving to revive it.

Freezing

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken and pesto separately for meal prep. However, freezing the fully assembled Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) isn’t recommended, as fresh vegetables and cheese tend to lose their appeal when thawed.

Reheating

This salad is made to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is rarely necessary! If you do want a slightly warm version (especially on chilly days), gently microwave individual portions for 30 seconds or until just warmed through—avoid overcooking, which could make the chicken tough and the veggies soggy.

FAQs

Can I substitute store-bought pesto instead of homemade?

Absolutely! If you’re pressed for time, your favorite store-bought pesto will work just fine. Taste and adjust for seasoning, since jarred pesto may be more concentrated or salty compared to homemade.

What pasta shapes work best in this salad?

Short shapes like fusilli, penne, farfalle (bowtie), or rotini are ideal because they hold onto the pesto and are easy to eat with a fork. Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer.

Can I make the Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) vegetarian?

Certainly! Simply leave out the chicken and double up on mozzarella balls, roasted chickpeas, or even artichoke hearts for protein and substance. Your salad will still be vibrant and filling.

How far ahead can I make this for a party?

You can prep the salad up to a day in advance. Hold back on adding the greens and extra nuts until just before serving, which keeps everything lively and crisp.

What other add-ins work well in this salad?

Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes, grilled zucchini, or even olives add new layers of flavor and color. The Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) is wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes) enough—there’s nothing like that combination of fresh basil, savory chicken, and creamy cheese all tossed together in a single bowl. It’s the kind of dish that feels elegant yet totally stress-free. Give it a try for your next lunch or gathering, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!