Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
If you love the bold, creamy flavors of a classic Caesar salad, get ready to fall in love with this delicious twist! This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy golden croutons all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich, tangy Caesar dressing.
It’s everything you adore about the traditional version—but more filling, more satisfying, and totally meal-prep friendly.
Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this crowd-pleasing salad is loaded with protein, texture, and flavor in every bite.
Easy to make, impossible to resist this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
- Looking for a pasta salad that’s anything but boring? This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Tossed with a bold pesto dressing and packed with tender shredded chicken, fresh greens, and juicy cherry tomatoes, it’s a refreshing dish perfect for:
Summer lunches
BBQ side dishes
Picnic baskets
Quick weeknight dinners
Make-ahead meal prep
It’s fresh, satisfying, and comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- Holds the dressing well and provides a hearty base.
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Rotisserie or leftover chicken adds lean protein and makes prep easy.
- Basil pesto
- The star of the dish brings rich, herby flavor.
- Italian salad dressing
- Adds a tangy kick that balances the creaminess of the pesto.
- Baby spinach
- For a fresh, nutrient-rich green element.
- Arugula
- Offers a peppery bite to contrast the richness of the dressing.
- Cherry tomatoes
- Juicy and sweet perfect for fresh pops of flavor.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Adds a salty, savory finish to the salad.
- Grated Parmesan & cracked black pepper
- Optional, for garnish and extra flavor.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
A light, flavorful, and protein-packed pasta salad made with juicy chicken, vibrant pesto, and fresh greens — ready in just 20 minutes!
Course: Side Dish Cuisine: Italian Keyword: Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad Prep Time: 10minutes minutes Cook Time: 10minutes minutes Total Time: 20minutes minutes Servings: 4 Calories: 862kcal
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 17 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work best)
- ⅔ cup Italian salad dressing
- ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste (for garnish)
How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
- Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. - Add Salad Ingredients
To the bowl of pasta, add baby spinach, arugula, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, and shredded Parmesan. Gently toss to combine. - Make the Pesto Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto and Italian dressing until smooth and well blended. - Combine & Toss
Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. - Garnish & Serve
Top with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Serve immediately for best texture, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Give it a quick toss before serving.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make Ahead: Prep all ingredients and store separately. Combine with dressing just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Refrigeration: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Pro Tip: Pasta may absorb some dressing over time. Add a spoon of pesto or a drizzle of olive oil before serving leftovers.
What to Serve With Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- This pasta salad can be served as a main course or side dish. Here are a few great pairings:
- Grilled meats or fish
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine
- A simple tomato cucumber salad on the side
Nutrition
Calories: 862kcal | Carbohydrates: 98g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 35g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 745mg | Potassium: 586mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Calcium: 196mg | Iron: 4mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
A: Yes, and it will taste even better! Blend fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and pine nuts for a quick homemade pesto.
Q: Can this salad be served warm?
A: Absolutely! Toss the hot pasta and chicken with pesto and serve immediately. Add the greens last to keep them slightly wilted but not soggy.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes prep up to 4 hours ahead. For best results, toss with dressing just before serving.
Q: Is this salad kid-friendly?
A: Very much so! You can skip arugula for a milder flavor, and even turn it into a lunchbox pasta salad.
Conclusion
This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s as easy to throw together as it is to love. With bold flavors, healthy greens, and tender chicken, it’s a no-fuss recipe that works for almost any occasion.
