Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

(3 customer reviews)

29,856.98

A delightful blend of chicken, pasta, veggies, and pesto dressing, Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Category:

Description

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a zesty pesto dressing. This dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light and satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz (225g) rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pesto Dressing:

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear the chicken until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
  3. Combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Toss the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and grated Parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
  5. Pour the pesto dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a versatile dish with flavors and textures in every bite. With juicy chicken, tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a vibrant pesto dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy it as a light meal or a delightful side dish at your next gathering.

3 reviews for Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

  1. Yusuf

    “As someone always looking for healthy yet tasty recipes, this Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad hit the mark. It was light but filling, and the fresh ingredients made it feel like a gourmet meal. I appreciated the balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Will make it again!”

  2. Esther

    “I tried the Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad for my weekly meal prep, and it did not disappoint. It stayed fresh in the fridge for several days, and the flavors seemed to improve with time. The combination of chicken, pasta, and pesto was spot on. Highly recommend!”

  3. Mary

    “I made the Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad for a family gathering, and everyone loved it! The recipe was straightforward, and the flavors were fantastic. The pesto added a wonderful kick, and the chicken was perfectly tender. This dish has quickly become a household favorite!”

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