Name: Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces pasta (cooked); 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought); 2 cups fresh spinach (packed); 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved); ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (torn); 1 pound grilled chicken (diced); 8 ounces mozzarella balls (halved)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for warm days or as a hearty lunch. Combining tender grilled chicken, fresh spinach, and vibrant cherry tomatoes with a bright pesto sauce creates a colorful and delicious meal that’s simple to prepare.

A white bowl filled with a pasta salad showing three main layers: the base is light yellow farfalle (bowtie) pasta coated with green herb pesto, mixed with bright orange cherry tomato halves scattered throughout, and some fresh dark green spinach leaves and white mozzarella balls spread evenly. Cubes of grilled chicken with light charring are mixed in all over the salad, adding a light brown color contrast. A small bunch of large, fresh green basil leaves sits on top as a garnish. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 ounces pasta (cooked)
1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups spinach (fresh, packed)
1 pound grilled chicken (diced)
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
8 ounces mozzarella balls (halved)
¼ cup basil leaves (torn)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook your pasta according to package directions. Be sure to heavily salt the water and cook the pasta about 1 minute less than the package suggests for perfect al dente texture.
Step 2: Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the bowl of pesto sauce. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere. Gently toss until all pasta is evenly coated.
Step 3: Mix in the fresh spinach and stir several times until it wilts slightly from the heat of the pasta.
Step 4: Add the diced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Gently stir to combine all ingredients well.
Step 5: Serve immediately while warm, or chill in the refrigerator and serve cold for a refreshing pasta salad.

Tips & Variations

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or allergy-friendly option.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness and zing.
Substitute the grilled chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu to vary the protein.
Include toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop nicely after chilling. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or let it come to room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture of fresh ingredients may change.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a pasta salad made of three layers: the base layer is light yellow farfalle pasta mixed evenly throughout, the middle layer includes green spinach leaves, red-orange cherry tomato halves, and small white mozzarella balls, while the top layer is made of grilled chicken cubes with light brown grill marks spread across the salad. On top, there are fresh green basil leaves placed slightly off-center, and a silver fork resting inside the bowl on the right side. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just be sure to toss gently before serving to redistribute the sauce.

Can I use bottled pesto sauce instead of homemade?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works well and saves time while still providing great flavor.