Easy 20-Minute Pesto Pasta Chicken Salad
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? This Easy 20-Minute Pesto Pasta Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant pesto for a fresh and creamy dish. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep—and ready in no time!
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients for:
(Easy 20-Minute Pesto Pasta Chicken Salad)
For the Salad
2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or bowtie)
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
Pesto Dressing
⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
¼ cup mozzarella balls or feta cheese
2 tablespoons pine nuts or sunflower seeds
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
Chop chicken, halve tomatoes, dice cucumber, and finely chop onion.
3. Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
5. Add Dressing
Pour pesto dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Add optional toppings like cheese or nuts. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Health Benefits
High in Protein: Chicken helps keep you full and energized.
Rich in Healthy Fats: Pesto and olive oil support heart health.
Balanced Meal: Combines protein, carbs, and nutrients.
Great for Meal Prep: Easy to store and enjoy later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A: Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly for convenience.
Q2: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta to adapt the recipe.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 4 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Final Thoughts
This Easy 20-Minute Pesto Pasta Chicken Salad is a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy days. With its fresh ingredients and bold pesto flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.