Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered what the perfect dish for a summer BBQ is? This pasta salad easy recipe is the answer. Honestly, this pesto chicken pasta salad is a game changer.
It's packed with flavor and super easy to make.
The Secret to a Great Summer Feast
This salad is inspired by classic Italian flavours. It's a simple dish with chicken, pasta, pesto, and yummy extras. This recipe is simple, needs about 30 minutes, and feeds 6-8 people.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This creamy pasta salads is healthy and delicious. It’s great for picnic pasta salad and is amazing cold. What makes it special? It's a crowd pleaser that everyone will love.
This recipe is one of the best salad recipes .
Let's Talk Ingredients
You'll need pasta, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, olives, basil, pesto, lemon juice, and olive oil. It sounds fancy but it's totally doable.
You can use any salad pasta , like rotini or penne. I like using rotini because it holds the pesto sauce well.
Equipment You'll Need
All you need is a pot, colander, and mixing bowl. I always use my trusty old pot. It's been with me for years. It's perfect for cold pasta dishes like this one.
Ready to make some magic? Let's get started. I promise you, this Italian pasta salad recipe will be your new favourite.
It’s one of those easy summer salad recipes that’s perfect to make-ahead pasta salad . Seriously, you will have so many quick pasta salad ideas running around in your head after this one.
Why This Recipe Rocks
It's packed with flavor. The pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives give it a Mediterranean twist. Plus, it is a fantastic salad side dishes that brings the best of summer to your table.
This salad is perfect for potlucks.
One Last Tip
Don't overcook your pasta. Al dente is the way to go. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
So, you wanna make a pasta salad easy ? Fantastic! Don't stress, it's simpler than putting on your socks. Seriously. These are the bits and bobs you'll need.
Main Ingredients for Salad Pasta
- 1 pound (450g) pasta. Rotini, penne, or farfalle works best. Honestly, whatever you have in the cupboard will do in a pinch. I once used those curly ones, fusilli? Worked a treat.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil. Nothing fancy, just your standard stuff.
- 1 pound (450g) cooked chicken breast. Shredded or cubed. Now, this is important: pre-cooked is KEY for the "easy" part. Grab a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket, saves a world of faff.
- 1 cup (120g) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed. Make sure you drain them. Nobody likes oily salad.
- 1 cup (150g) mozzarella pearls. These little blighters are so cute and add a lovely creaminess.
- ½ cup (50g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved. If you're not a fan of Kalamata, any olive will do.
- ½ cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped. Fresh is best here. Adds a proper summery vibe.
- ½ cup (120ml) prepared pesto. Homemade is great if you're feeling fancy, but store-bought is perfectly fine.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice. For a bit of zing.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil. More olive oil. Can't go wrong.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper. To taste, naturally.
Seasoning Notes for the Best Salad Recipes
Pesto is the star here, so make sure it's a good one! For a flavour boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Lemon juice brightens everything up. If you're out of lemon, white wine vinegar is a decent substitute. Essential spice combinations? Basil, salt, pepper and lemon are your friends.
A quick substitution? If you haven’t got Pesto, a creamy italian dressing could work wonders in the Italian Pasta Salad Recipe .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large pot. For boiling the pasta, obviously.
- Colander. For draining the pasta, equally obvious.
- Large mixing bowl. For chucking everything together.
Seriously, that's it. You don't need a fancy food processor or a unicorn shaped spatula. A bog-standard bowl and a spoon will do just fine.
So this recipe for Creamy Pasta Salads is not only easy but fast!
Right, now you've got your ingredients, let's get cooking!. This Picnic Pasta Salad is ready to impress!
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad: Your Easy Summer Go-To
This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is absolutely brilliant! It’s a super easy summer salad recipe that's perfect for anything. Think picnics, BBQs, or even a quick dinner.
Honestly, it’s become one of my best salad recipes !
Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, chop everything before you start. Mise en place , darling! It's a game changer. Having the cooked chicken shredded, sun-dried tomatoes chopped, and basil ready to go saves loads of time.
Plus, safety first, eh? Watch those fingers when chopping!
Let's Get Cooking: The step-by-step
Here's how to make a wicked salad pasta :
- Cook your pasta until al dente . We don't want mushy pasta.
- Drain it, rinse it with cold water, and drizzle with a little olive oil.
- In a big bowl, chuck in the pasta, chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and basil.
- Whisk together pesto, lemon juice, and olive oil in a separate bowl.
- Pour that lush dressing over the salad and gently toss.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This lets the flavours mingle, you know?
- Serve cold and bask in the glory of your creation!
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Pasta Salad
Want to take your creamy pasta salads to the next level? Use good quality pesto. It makes all the difference.
Also, don't overcook the pasta. Honestly, al dente is key. Finally, make it ahead. The flavors develop beautifully if you let it sit overnight.
Now that is a great make-ahead pasta salad .
You know, the first time I made this, I totally forgot the lemon juice. It tasted flat! Don't make the same mistake! And if you like a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
This will make the italian pasta salad recipe even more amazing.
So, there you have it. The perfect pasta salad easy recipe!
Recipe Notes for the Best Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad Easy
This pasta salad easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It's proper lush. However, a few notes can help you nail it every time.
Honestly, this is one of the best salad recipes to come out of my kitchen.
Fab Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta salad looks great served in a big bowl. Garnish with extra basil for that wow factor. For sides, think grilled chicken or salmon.
A crisp green salad complements it too. A chilled Pinot Grigio makes it fancy. For something less alcoholic, lemonade works a treat.
This is one of the best salad side dishes for any barbecue.
Smart Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you. This make-ahead pasta salad keeps well. Store it in the fridge for up to three days.
Make sure to use an airtight container. Do not freeze . The pasta will go soggy. Reheat? Nah, it's designed to be eaten cold.
This cold pasta dish is perfect straight from the fridge.
Wicked Variations
Want to switch things up? Go vegetarian. Skip the chicken and add grilled courgette and peppers. A dairy-free version is easy too.
Use vegan pesto and leave out the mozzarella. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavour. This is one of those quick pasta salad ideas that adapts so well.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the dressing. Sun-dried tomatoes not your thing? Use roasted red peppers.
Kalamata olives missing? Green olives work fine. Got a pesto allergy? That's easily fixed, try: mixing mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and Italian herbs to make a simple and equally delicious Italian dressing.
Nutrition Basics
Each serving gives you around 450-550 calories. You get a good dose of protein (25-30g). It has a decent amount of fat (25-30g) and carbs (30-40g).
The pesto provides healthy fats and basil's antioxidants. This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe isn't just tasty; it's quite good for you too.
Perfect for a picnic pasta salad !
So there you have it. A super easy and tasty salad pasta dish. Go forth and create, and don't be afraid to make it your own! This easy summer salad recipes is a winner for sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad easy ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's recommended. Making the pesto chicken pasta salad a few hours (or even a day) in advance allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good toss before serving.
Think of it like a good stew it only gets better with time!
What kind of pasta is best for this easy pasta salad recipe?
Shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle (bowties) work really well because their ridges and curves catch the pesto sauce and other ingredients. You want something that will "grab" the flavour. Just avoid anything too small like orzo, which can get a bit lost in the mix.
Nobody wants a pasta salad where the pasta is an afterthought!
How long does this pesto chicken pasta salad last in the fridge?
This pasta salad will typically last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. However, be mindful of the ingredients the fresher the ingredients, the longer it will last. Keep an eye on the mozzarella, as it can sometimes get a bit watery after a few days.
When in doubt, give it a sniff, and if it smells off, chuck it out!
I'm not a fan of chicken, what other protein can I use in this pasta salad easy recipe?
No problem at all! Grilled shrimp, canned tuna (drained well, of course!), or even white beans (like cannellini) would be delicious substitutes for the chicken. For a vegetarian option, grilled halloumi cheese would also add a lovely salty, textural element.
Basically, anything that complements the pesto and other ingredients will work get creative!
Can I freeze this Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad?
Freezing this pasta salad is not generally recommended. The pasta can become mushy and the texture of the other ingredients, like mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes, can change for the worse upon thawing. Plus, the pesto might separate.
It's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it treat it as a reason to have another picnic!
Is this pasta salad healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad can be part of a balanced diet, but it's good to be aware of a few things. Pesto can be high in fat and calories, so use it in moderation. You can lighten it up by using whole wheat pasta, adding plenty of vegetables, and choosing leaner cuts of chicken.
Portion control is key even the most virtuous ingredients can add up if you're piling your plate high!
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 25-30g |