Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy dish that combines fresh ingredients with a burst of flavor. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. The blend of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy pesto makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy days.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- Campanelle pasta
- Diced chicken
- Fresh tomatoes
- Diced mozzarella
- Pesto sauce
Directions:
- Cook the campanelle pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, fresh tomatoes, and diced mozzarella.
- Toss everything with the homemade pesto sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately as a main dish or refrigerate for an hour to serve as a side dish.
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
You can serve Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad right away for a filling meal. If you want to serve it as a side dish, refrigerate it for about an hour. This gives the flavors time to meld together, making it even tastier. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
How to Store Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Tips to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
- Make sure to let the pasta cool before mixing it with the other ingredients. This prevents the cheese from melting.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
- Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, for extra color and nutrition.
Variation
Try adding nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch. You can also substitute the campanelle pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as bowtie or fusilli.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use store-bought pesto sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto can save time and still taste great.
Is Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
A delicious and easy dish that combines fresh ingredients with a burst of flavor, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz campanelle pasta
- 2 cups diced chicken
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup diced mozzarella
- 1 cup pesto sauce
Instructions
- Cook the campanelle pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- Combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, fresh tomatoes, and diced mozzarella in a large bowl.
- Toss everything with the homemade pesto sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately as a main dish or refrigerate for an hour to serve as a side dish.
Notes
Add grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Make sure to let the pasta cool before mixing to prevent the cheese from melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
