This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is everything you want in a warm-weather meal: quick, refreshing, and loaded with bold flavor. The juicy chicken and al dente rotini are enveloped in a vibrant basil pesto, balanced with creamy mozzarella pearls, bright tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner, this salad is as versatile as it is tasty. Serve it chilled for a light lunch or pair it with garlic bread for a more indulgent dinner. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next summer gathering or casual family meal.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz rotini pasta
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup black olives, sliced
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1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
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1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
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3/4 cup prepared basil pesto
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional: fresh lemon juice for brightness
Directions:
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Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil.
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In a small bowl, whisk together pesto and olive oil until well combined.
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Pour pesto dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired.
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Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
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Garnish with extra basil or cheese before serving, if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Story Behind Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a beloved dish that brings together the comfort of pasta, the freshness of basil, and the heartiness of chicken into one vibrant and refreshing meal. Originating from the idea of combining classic Italian flavors with the practicality of a cold salad, this dish was designed for modern home cooks who crave bold flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Inspired by traditional Genovese pesto—made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil—this salad reinvents a rustic sauce into a versatile base for a satisfying meal.
Perfect for warm days when a hot meal feels too heavy, Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad offers a flavorful escape to Mediterranean summer vibes, making it an ideal choice for everything from a backyard barbecue to weekday meal prep. Its popularity has grown thanks to its simplicity, adaptability, and ability to wow guests and family alike.
Why Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a Game-Changer
This salad isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s a perfectly balanced combination of taste, texture, and nutrition. The rotini pasta acts as the perfect vessel to hold the rich pesto sauce in every twist and curve. The juicy chunks of chicken add protein and make the dish more filling, while fresh cherry tomatoes offer a pop of acidity and color. Mozzarella pearls give it a creamy bite, and red onion and black olives introduce a slight tang and saltiness that round out every mouthful.
Unlike many cold salads that can feel bland or carb-heavy, the pesto base infuses each ingredient with herbaceous flavor and healthy fats from olive oil. The result is a dish that feels light and refreshing while still delivering satisfaction.
The Nutritional Value of This Dish
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s a well-rounded meal that offers a solid balance of macronutrients—protein from chicken, complex carbs from pasta, and healthy fats from the pesto and olive oil. The inclusion of vegetables such as tomatoes and onions adds antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and fiber, which help support digestion and overall health.
For those who are health-conscious, this dish can be made even lighter by using whole wheat or chickpea pasta, swapping mozzarella for a low-fat cheese option, or opting for a homemade pesto with reduced oil. It’s an easy recipe to tailor to personal dietary goals without compromising on taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Entertaining
One of the biggest benefits of this dish is its versatility in serving. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week, bringing a side to a picnic, or hosting a casual dinner party, Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad fits right in. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days, making it a go-to option for busy weeks.
It’s also a crowd-pleaser—kids love the cheesy pasta, adults appreciate the sophisticated basil flavor, and everyone enjoys how effortlessly it comes together. You can easily double the recipe for larger groups or pack individual servings in containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Customizations and Variations You’ll Love
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your taste. Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and add grilled zucchini or roasted chickpeas. Need a dairy-free option? Use a vegan pesto and plant-based mozzarella. Looking to add even more flavor? Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a splash of balsamic glaze for a touch of tang.
The flexibility of this dish also means you can try different pasta shapes, like farfalle or penne, or even switch it up entirely by serving it over a bed of greens for a lighter salad experience.
Ideal for Any Occasion
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad shines as a summer staple but is just as fitting in any season. Serve it chilled during hot summer days with iced tea or lemonade, or enjoy it slightly warmed as a comforting lunch during the colder months. It makes a beautiful presentation on the dinner table with its vibrant greens and reds, especially when garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
It’s also incredibly portable, which makes it a smart choice for potlucks, beach picnics, office parties, or school lunches. With minimal ingredients and no need for reheating, it’s the definition of effortless and elegant.
The Flavor Profile That Keeps You Coming Back
Every bite of this pasta salad tells a story—one of harmony between creamy, herbaceous pesto and juicy chicken, between sweet cherry tomatoes and briny olives. The textures balance perfectly: chewy pasta, tender chicken, soft mozzarella, and crisp veggies. The bright and savory notes of pesto elevate the entire dish, making each forkful a burst of flavor.
Unlike many mayo-based pasta salads, this version is light, fresh, and layered in flavor without feeling too rich or heavy. That’s why it continues to be a top choice among food lovers who want substance without sacrificing health.
Conclusion
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together in an effortless yet incredibly satisfying dish. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for meal prep ideas, a home cook hosting friends for dinner, or someone who just wants a comforting lunch packed with flavor, this recipe checks all the boxes. Its versatility, bold taste, and easy preparation make it a standout dish that you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try once, and it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen rotation.
