Chicken Pasta Salad with Pesto Dressing
Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor this Chicken Pasta Salad with Pesto Dressing is the perfect quick meal or side dish for any occasion! Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and crisp veggies are tossed in a rich, herby pesto dressing that brings everything together beautifully.
Ingredients
- For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
- For the Pesto Dressing
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 1–2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook Pasta : Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2: Prepare Pesto Dressing : Combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Blend while gradually adding olive oil. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients : In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives.
- Step 4: Toss with Dressing : Pour pesto dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve : Top with grated Parmesan and optional pine nuts. Serve chilled or at room temperature.