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.
I thought pasta was unhealthy. Why would you put cheese on it too? 🤔
AMAZING
Right?? “AMAZING” is so accurate—this pesto pasta salad is such a hit. The cherry tomatoes make it feel fresh, and that parmesan on top is perfect.
Looks good but I’m skeptical about the store-bought pesto—sometimes it’s way too salty. Next time I might use less parmesan or rinse the chicken slices? Still, idea’s solid.
I’m skeptical about store-bought pesto here—some brands taste bitter to me. If you use a good pesto, though, it probably works great.
Totally get the bitterness concern—store-bought pesto varies a LOT. If you pick one that’s basil-forward (not overly tangy) it should taste great in this salad.
This pasta salad was a hit at our picnic! So refreshing and tasty. Will definitely make again!
Reckon this is the best pasta salad I’ve seen on here! So colorful and easy too!
It was okay but I think it needs more flavor. Maybe add some garlic or something next time?
Not bad but my kids said it was ‘too green’ lol. Maybe next time I skip the basil pesto.
It was okay, but I found it kinda bland. Maybe it needs more salt? 🤔
Um, are you sure this is healthy? Pasta and cheese? lol, whatever works, I guess.
Actually, pasta and cheese can be part of a balanced meal! Just watch portion sizes.
I wasn’t sure about the cherry tomatos, but they added a nice sweetness.
But aren’t cherry tomatoes just a little too sweet? I prefer the regular ones.
I totally agree! The cherry tomatoes make it pop! 😍
Can I use a different cheese instead of parmesan? Like cheddar? 🧀
Sure, you can use cheddar! It’ll change the flavor a bit, but I think it could be yummy! 😋
Pasta + chicken = love! But I did use spaghetti instead, hope that’s allowed!
My kids gobbled it up, and they usually don’t eat salad. Gonna keep this one in the dinner rotation!
I followed the instructions but it turned out all mushy. Not sure what I did wrong, lol.
I didn’t have basil pesto so I used a pesto with spinach and it turned out… okay? The color was darker and my kids said it was ‘green pasta’ (lol). I guess it depends on the pesto.
So easy! I used rotini and it turned out great. Perfect for a picnic! 🌞
I didn’t have rotini so I used penne. Still came out good. Also, chill time made it way better (don’t skip step 5).
Yum! I added some olives and it was even better! 😋
This is pretty basic if you ask me. Nothing special here. 👎
This was delicious! So easy to make and full of flavor. My family loved it.
It was ok, but I thought the pesto was too strong. Maybe less next time?
I’m glad you liked it! It’s one of my go-to recipes too. Quick and tasty!
This was okay. I added some spices but still tasted bland. Could’ve used some garlic maybe?
This salad is amazing! The pesto really adds flavor and goes great with the chicken.
Tried it with rotini and it was too mushy. The chicken seemed dry too. 😒
I think it was too oily and the pasta got kinda mushy. Might try less pesto next time.
Too much hassle for a simple pasta salad. Shoulda just grabbed takeout.
Not gonna lie, pesto pasta salad sounds kinda weird to me. Pesto is usually hot pasta vibes. But yeah, it worked—especially after chilling. I’d recommend letting it sit.
Huh, I thought it’d be gross but I guess pesto + pasta is just pesto + pasta 😅. I’ll try it, but I might add a little lemon so it doesn’t taste too rich. Thanks!
Totally agree—hot pesto pasta makes sense, but chilling turns it into this herby, savory salad vibe. Glad it worked for you!
I didn’t have cherry tomatoes, so I used regular ones. It was okay, but not as good as I thought it would be. Probably needs the cherry ones.
Regular tomatoes are fine too, just cut ’em small. I don’t think you need the fancy ones all the time. Just saying!
I totally get you! Cherry tomatoes really do make a difference in taste. Maybe give it another shot with them next time!
Pretty good overall, but 1/2 cup pesto felt a little heavy for my taste. Next time I’ll start with 1/3 cup and add more if needed. Parmesan top was the move though.
Pasta salad can’t be a meal! Just a side dish, amirite? 🤔
I totally disagree! This pasta salad is hearty enough to be a meal! Plus, it has protein and veggies, what more do you need? 🍽️
Made this for a party and everyone loved it! Will definitely make again!
Yum! The cherry tomatoes really pop and the chicken is tender. A hit at our picnic!
Pasta salad? I thought this was a dish for summer only. I don’t know why we ain’t eating this all year round!
Easy peasy to make! Perfect for summer picnics. Just what I wanted!
I don’t get why people rave about pesto. Just tastes like grass to me. 🤷♂️
Pesto taste like grass?! Seriously? It’s one of the best things ever, you just need to find a good recipe. Or maybe it’s your taste buds?
I get your point, but pesto is really all about the fresh basil and garlic! Maybe try making it fresh? It can taste so different!
Super simple! Just what I needed. 😍
I love how easy it is! Perfect for a quick lunch. Can’t wait to try it! 😄
Great recipe for summer time! I added olives and it was bomb! Can’t stop eating it.
Isn’t this just another basic pasta salad? Not impressed. 1 star.
This salad was amazing! My family loved it. Will definitely make again! 😊
This tastes fresh and filling—perfect for a quick lunch. I used homemade pesto and it really made the chicken pop.
Hmm I liked it but mine came out a bit dry. I think next time I’ll use more olive oil or maybe a splash of pasta water—my pesto was kinda thick too. Still good though!
Totally agree—pesto + chicken is such a good combo. I added extra tomatoes and it felt super fresh, like restaurant salad vibes.
This was delicious! I made it for a picnic and everyone loved it! Will definitely make again.
So good! Added some olives and it was even better! 10/10 would recommend!
Too much pesto for my taste, a bit overwhelming. Maybe half a cup next time?
I think 1/2 cup pesto is too much. Mine turned green like pesto soup and I had to add extra olive oil + tomatoes to fix it. Taste was okay.
Made something like this before and it always tastes better after chilling. The pesto amount feels right too. Nice quick lunch vibe.
Totally agree—pesto pasta is one of those things that gets way better after chilling. I swear the flavors “meld” overnight 😄 Also love that quick lunch vibe!
I made it once but I think I used too much pesto? It was kinda overpowering. 1/2 cup feels like a lot for 200g pasta and chicken—maybe depends on how strong the pesto is.
This was absolutely delicious! The pesto really brings everything together. 5 stars!
I followed it pretty much but my chicken came out dry (grilled too long). Still, the tomatoes helped and the pasta salad wasn’t boring. Would try with a juicier cook next time.
5 stars! Simple and tasty! My kids even ate it!
I followed the steps, but my pasta salad got a little dry after chilling. Next time I’ll add a touch more olive oil (or extra pesto) before serving.
Not gonna lie, I think 200g chicken is a lot—by the time I balanced everything, it felt more like chicken pasta than salad.
Nahh I like it like that 😅 the pesto + chicken combo is the point. If it’s coming out too heavy, maybe use more tomatoes or a bit less pesto next time. Also 200g chicken sounds about right for one serving.
Hmm I get what you mean—200g chicken does make it more “pesto chicken pasta” than a light salad. I usually split it with closer to 100–150g if I want it fresher-feeling.
Pasta salad? More like a meal for the gods! 5 star 🌟
I didn’t grill the chicken (pan-seared instead) and it was still tasty. Also, cherry tomatoes pop in every bite—good call.
So easy to make! Perfect for lunch. 🎉
I was skeptical about store-bought pesto, but honestly it still worked great. Next time I’ll add a little garlic.
Flavor was amazing, but I wish the instructions mentioned mixing the olive oil in before tossing (my salad looked a bit oily at first). Still, 10/10 would make again.
I kinda liked the oily bit ngl—guess the oil helps it not dry out while chilling. Next time I’ll just whisk the oil with the pesto first though, good point!
Totally agree—my salad looked a little oily at first too. I think mixing the olive oil in earlier would help it coat more evenly instead of pooling on top.
Is it really necessary to chill it? I served warm and it was good. 😁
I think it’s fine warm too! I mean, pasta’s pasta, right? 😜
I’m skeptical because store-bought pesto can be kinda salty, but this worked. I’ll definitely do it again—maybe just go lighter on the salt/pepper.
Same here—I’m also wary of store-bought pesto because it can be super salty. Glad it balanced out for you though! I’ll try your “go lighter on the salt/pepper” tip next time.
This sounds good, but 1 pinch salt AND pepper? I feel like that doesn’t exist lol. I always end up adding way less. Also can you use sundried tomato pesto? Might be too much flavor… but I wanna try.
Yum! I didnt have parmesan, so used cheddar instead, still good!
Good flavor, but I think it needs a bit more parmesan or maybe a squeeze of lemon. Without it, mine tasted slightly flat even with salt/pepper.
I followed it mostly but my pasta turned out kinda sticky because I forgot to cool it completely. Still tasted fine though, just not as nice a salad texture.
That makes total sense—letting the pasta cool helps it stay more salad-like instead of getting sticky. Next time try rinsing briefly with cool water after draining (if the recipe allows) and then chill a bit before mixing with the pesto.
Hmm sticky pesto pasta salad… I think you gotta boil it longer? Like if it’s still “al dente” maybe it clumps? Either way, parmesan might’ve helped but cooling is key. Taste > texture though!
Not sure about the store-bought pesto situation. Mine was super salty, so the whole thing needed way more pepper and maybe some oil to balance. Would try a milder pesto.
I made it and my kid ate it all 😂. Only thing I changed was using mozzarella instead of parm (don’t judge). Easy and tasty.
Can confirm it’s edible 😅 but I think you should cook the pasta longer? Mine was kinda al dente and didn’t feel “salad” enough.
Looks good but why chicken breast and not thighs? thighs be more juicier ya know 😅
The instructions are straightforward, which I like. I’m just not sure the olive oil is necessary if the pesto is already oily.
Pretty good! I think 1 cup of pesto might be a lot depending on brand, so I started with half and it was plenty. Chicken stayed juicy too. Next time I’ll add a squeeze of lemon.
I tried it and it turned out a little dry for me. Maybe because I let the pasta cool too long—next time I’ll drizzle more olive oil.
Pesto pasta salad with chicken sounds good but I don’t got basil pesto at all 😅
No basil pesto? No problem—use any pesto you’ve got (even store-bought mixed herb) or swap in a little pesto from a jar with spinach/whatever you can find. Still gonna be tasty 😄
Just make it without pesto then. Use olive oil + garlic + parmesan + some lemon, and it’s basically the same vibe… I think? 🤷♂️
Not bad at all. I used homemade pesto and it was delicious, but I think 1/4 cup parmesan might be a little low if you like it cheesy.
So easy and it tastes like you tried harder than you did. I tossed it while everything was still slightly warm and it stuck to the pasta better.
The directions are super easy, but my pasta came out a bit clumpy. I think I didn’t cool it long enough before mixing.
Oh no—clumpy pasta usually means it didn’t cool/dry down enough before the pesto hit it. Next time, drain well and let it cool longer (or even rinse quickly with cool water if you don’t mind), then toss promptly with a little olive oil first so it stays separate. Hope it still tasted good!
Wow this is good. 10/10. I ate it warm though cuz I’m impatient 😂
😂 Totally get it—this kind of pesto pasta salad is dangerous warm too. I usually do chilled, but if I’m starving it becomes “room temp” real fast!
This was a hit at my BBQ—bright, not too heavy, and the pesto really pulls it together. I used homemade pesto and added a squeeze of lemon at the end. So good!
Honestly this might be my new go-to for meal prep. Cold pasta salads don’t usually hit, but the chicken and pesto make it feel more filling.
This was such a hit at my work lunch. The pesto really ties everything together and the tomatoes keep it bright. I used store-bought pesto and it still tasted homemade.
Totally agree—store-bought pesto is the cheat code. The tomatoes really brighten it up and make it feel not heavy. I’m stealing this for my next potluck!
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about pesto + tomatoes in a pasta salad, but I guess it works? I might’ve added too much pesto though—tasted kinda strong. Still, pretty good!
This sounds super refreshing—pesto + tomatoes + chicken is such a good combo. I’d probably add a little more parmesan, but overall looks solid.
Totally agree—the pesto and tomatoes together are magic. I usually do extra parmesan too. This looks like a great make-ahead salad for lunch!
Meh. The pesto is strong so it overpowered everything for me. Next time I’ll use less pesto or add more tomatoes/parmesan to balance.
Totally get that—store-bought pesto can be punchy. Your idea of using less pesto and adding more tomatoes/parmesan is spot on. Next time I’d probably start with 1/4 cup pesto and adjust from there.
Pretty solid flavor combo. I followed the steps but wished I’d cooked the chicken a bit more evenly—mine was a little dry. Still tasty though, especially the parmesan on top.
Glad you liked it! If the chicken came out a bit dry, I’d try slicing it a little thicker and cooking to just-done, or giving the pieces a quick rest before adding to the pasta—then toss gently so it doesn’t dry out more. The parmesan on top really makes it.
Made this for lunch prep and it’s honestly a vibe—cool, herby, and not heavy. I used homemade pesto and added a little extra parmesan. Would recommend.
Not sure about “grilled” chicken—mine was pan-seared and it still worked. Also, 200g pasta for 200g chicken felt a tiny bit chicken-heavy but honestly I didn’t mind.
Good to know it works pan-seared! “Grilled” in my head is always like… full outdoor BBQ mode 😅 I think 200g pasta to 200g chicken is totally reasonable too—mine usually ends up more filling that way. Thanks for the real-world ratio check!
Made this for lunch prep and it actually tasted better the next day. The pesto clings to the rotini perfectly. I added a squeeze of lemon at the end and it made it pop!