Description
A vibrant and flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad, combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a homemade basil pesto.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup homemade basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken, stirring gently to mix.
- Add the basil pesto and mix until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated.
- Incorporate the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve cold or at room temperature, topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare this salad a few hours in advance or even the day before for best flavor. Use leftovers within three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg