Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad – Fresh, Fast & Flavorful
A vibrant and flavorful chicken pesto pasta salad with tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and a creamy pesto dressing. Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a light summer dinner.
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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½ cup cucumber or zucchini, diced
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup basil pesto
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (optional)
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¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
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Season and cook chicken, then let rest and dice.
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Prepare vegetables: halve tomatoes, dice cucumbers, and slice onions.
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In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, lemon juice, olive oil, and mayo/yogurt if using.
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In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, vegetables, and dressing. Toss to coat.
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Chill for 30–60 minutes for best flavor.
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Top with Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
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Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
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Add spinach or arugula for more greens.
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Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.