Salt & Lavender logo
menu icon
search icon
×

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Published: / Updated: / 22 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

Jump to Recipe

This chicken pesto pasta salad is quick, easy, and a great way to use up leftover chicken. The perfect make-ahead salad for summer BBQs, potlucks, or easy entertaining.

close-up of healthy cold pesto pasta salad with chicken in a teal bowl

To make this pesto pasta salad really simple, I used rotisserie chicken. You can use any pre-cooked chicken and just toss it in there. Hot weather dictates easy recipes, right?

I did make my pesto from scratch (here's my basil pesto recipe), because to me it just tastes so much better than the store-bought variety, but you can definitely sub your favorite jarred pesto for homemade in this chicken pesto pasta salad if you're in a rush.

a small bowl with homemade pesto and a sprig of fresh basil

This basil pesto pasta salad was definitely a BIG hit at our house.

This makes a large batch, and my husband ate ALL OF IT over a few days. I always knew he had a big appetite, but even I was impressed.

Love pesto? Try my Salmon Pesto Pasta or this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta.

cold pesto pasta salad in a bowl beside basil leaf

This cold pesto pasta salad can be served in any number of ways. As a main course for sure, but it's also one of those recipes that's ideal to serve with other dishes.

That's why I put in the recipe card that it serves 6-8 - it's a really great thing to bring to any kind of summer gathering. I think you and your guests will enjoy this chicken and pesto pasta recipe!

Other pasta salad recipes to try:

close-up of healthy cold pesto pasta salad with chicken, basil, and fresh tomatoes

Will you make this easy pesto pasta salad? Let me know in the comments below!

I hope you're getting out there and taking advantage of the nice weather and summery foods (and drinks!). 🙂

This healthy cold pesto pasta salad with chicken is simple to make and bursting with the fresh taste of basil and tomatoes. 

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

This chicken pesto pasta salad is quick, easy, and a great way to use up leftover chicken. The perfect make-ahead salad for summer BBQs, potlucks, or easy entertaining. 
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 6
Calories 523 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 4 cups uncooked penne
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (or more to taste)
  • 5 ounces little tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup red onions chopped
  • 1 cup pesto (click for my recipe or use store-bought)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Once cooked, rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
  • Prep other ingredients (use my homemade pesto recipe if you wish).
  • Toss everything together in a large salad bowl and generously season pasta salad with salt & pepper.
  • Serve pasta salad immediately or chill first. Keeps in the fridge for a few days (assuming the cooked chicken you used is fresh). 

Notes

  • If you want to add cheese to this salad, I suggest mozzarella. Shredded mozza or those mini bocconcini balls would work well.
  • Serves 6-8 depending how much people eat. You can definitely halve the recipe if needed.
  • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

Nutrition

Calories: 523kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 427mgPotassium: 340mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1049IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken pesto pasta salad
Author Natasha Bull
«
»

Loved this recipe? Share it:

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Susan says

    Delicious! I added about 1/4 cup of sundried tomatoes/oil. Used bow tie pasta as I had no penne. Served as a side to burgers! Was a hit! Thankyou

    Reply

  3. Terry says

    Excellent recipes I added whole red pepper and 2 baby cucumbers and extra pesto. Very good : )) it’s a keeper😉

    Reply

  4. Celeste says

    5 stars
    This was amazing and simple!!! I marinated chicken breast in lemon juice and evoo and added a little cayenne for a kick at the end! Definitely recommend!

    Reply

  10. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    5 stars
    I make something similar and it's always a hit Natasha! Can't wait to try your version. Looks delicious, like all your pastas!

    Reply