Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken & Tomatoes is the perfect dish for a light lunch, dinner, or potluck gathering. It’s a vibrant, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and the creamy richness of pesto, all tossed with pasta for a satisfying, well-rounded dish.
To begin, cook your pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool. For best results, use a short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle, as they hold the pesto and other ingredients well. While the pasta is cooling, season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook them in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, let the chicken rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Next, prepare the pesto. You can either use store-bought pesto or make your own by blending fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a bit more olive oil if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and a generous amount of pesto. Toss everything together until well-coated. For an added touch of flavor and texture, you can toss in some mozzarella pearls, olives, or roasted red peppers.
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese. This Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken & Tomatoes is a perfect make-ahead dish that gets better as it sits, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
This dish is not only quick and easy to make but also packed with flavor, making it a versatile and satisfying option for a healthy lunch, dinner, or picnic. The creamy pesto pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken and juicy tomatoes, creating a meal that is both fresh and filling.
Ingredients
- 200 grams pasta rotini or fusilli recommended
- 200 grams chicken breast grilled and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and pesto.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients with pesto. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
It was okay, but I think it needed more seasoning. A bit bland for my taste.
This was delicious! I added some olives for an extra kick. Will make again!
Pasta and chicken? Sounds weird. Not sure if I like.
I didn’t have any chicken, so I used tuna instead. Not sure if that was a good idea.
I don’t believe this is a proper meal. Where’s the beef? 😅
It’s not supposed to be a full-on meat meal! It’s a salad! 😅 But hey, you can add beef if you want!
I tried making this, but the chicken was too dry. Maybe grill it less?
I had the same issue last time! Maybe try brining the chicken first? It really helps it stay moist. 🤔
Yea, the chicken can get dry if overcooked… but maybe it was your grill or something? I never have that problem. 😅
Tasty and easy! My kids loved it, and that’s a win in my book! 😍
Yum! I switched the chicken for tofu and it worked out great. Good vibes!
I tried this recipe and it came out terribly. My pasta was mushy and the sauce was too oily. Not good.
Is it really that easy? I’m skeptical about the pesto not being too dominant.