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    Home » Chicken & Poultry

    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Published: Jun 4, 2018 / Updated: Aug 25, 2020 / 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:

    • Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
    • BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad
    • Easy Greek Pasta Salad
    • Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
    • Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad

    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 Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian American
    Servings 6
    Calories 523 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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
    « Really Easy Pesto Recipe
    Easy Funfetti Frosting Recipe »

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    1. Susan says

      July 25, 2022 at 2:55 PM

      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
      • Natasha says

        July 25, 2022 at 4:11 PM

        Awesome!! So happy it was a hit, Susan! Thanks for your comment.

        Reply
    2. Terry says

      July 20, 2022 at 5:59 PM

      5 stars
      I forgot to rate this amazing symple recipe. Thanking you as well for sharing 🍁

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 21, 2022 at 12:32 AM

        You're very welcome!

        Reply
    3. Terry says

      July 20, 2022 at 5:48 PM

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

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 21, 2022 at 12:31 AM

        🙂

        Reply
    4. Celeste says

      July 19, 2019 at 2:38 PM

      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
      • Natasha says

        July 19, 2019 at 8:28 PM

        Awesome!! So glad you liked it, Celeste. Thanks for leaving me a comment!

        Reply
    5. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

      June 5, 2018 at 3:12 PM

      delicious chicken-pesto-pasta-salad!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 6, 2018 at 9:00 AM

        Thank you!

        Reply
    6. Jennifer Farley says

      June 4, 2018 at 9:01 PM

      That pesto looks SO GOOD!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 4, 2018 at 9:02 PM

        Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    7. naomi robinson says

      June 4, 2018 at 4:54 PM

      Pesto makes everything better, especially easy pasta dishes like this.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 4, 2018 at 6:56 PM

        Right?!

        Reply
    8. Leigh Ann says

      June 4, 2018 at 1:56 PM

      Such a great addition to any BBQ! I love pesto so much!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 4, 2018 at 6:57 PM

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    9. Matt Robinson says

      June 4, 2018 at 11:28 AM

      Love good leftover ideas like this!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 4, 2018 at 12:21 PM

        Thanks!!

        Reply
    10. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      June 4, 2018 at 10:49 AM

      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
      • Natasha says

        June 4, 2018 at 12:22 PM

        Aw thanks, Mary Ann!! Hope you enjoy it.

        Reply
    11. Sarah Fennel says

      June 4, 2018 at 10:09 AM

      Mmm I just love pesto pasta and this one looks delicious!s

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 4, 2018 at 12:22 PM

        Thanks so much, Sarah!

        Reply

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    Natasha Bull, founder and author of Salt & Lavender, in the kitchen

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