Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes)

Craving a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal? This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for any occasion.

Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant basil pesto come together with fresh vegetables and creamy cheese for a balanced, satisfying dish.

The best part? It’s highly customizable—swap in your favorite pasta, add more veggies, or make it extra cheesy.

This recipe is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Whether you need a quick lunch, a refreshing side for a summer BBQ, or a meal-prep-friendly recipe, this salad delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Quick and easy Ready in under 30 minutes.
Packed with fresh flavors Basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken create a delicious combination.
Perfect for meal prep Enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Customizable Swap ingredients to match your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (grilled, shredded, or rotisserie)
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)

For the Pesto Dressing:

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

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If using raw chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then grill or pan-sear until fully cooked.
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.

Step 3: Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and pine nuts.
Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, and spinach.
Pour the pesto over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Sprinkle with pine nuts or almonds for added crunch.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve cold or at room temperature.

Recipe Variations & Customizations

Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
Veggie Additions: Add cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.
Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan in the pesto.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta for chickpea or gluten-free pasta.

Tips for the Best Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Use fresh pesto Homemade pesto provides the best flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch.
Cook pasta al dente Overcooked pasta can become mushy in salads.
Let the salad rest Chilling the salad for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavors.
Adjust pesto consistency If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil to thin it out.

What to Serve with Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Garlic bread or bruschetta
A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing
Grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If making ahead, keep the pesto separate and mix before serving.
Add a drizzle of olive oil before serving if the pasta absorbs too much pesto.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. For best results, store the pesto separately and mix it in before serving to keep the salad fresh.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowtie works well. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado make great additions.