Chicken And Pesto Pasta Salad

"This Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad is your new go-to for meal prep, potlucks, and lunches. Growing up, pasta salad meant summer—big bowls passed around at picnics, the scent of basil lingering in the air, and that unmistakable hum of laughter around the table. If you want even more quick and easy salads, try my buffalo chicken salad recipe and my pasta feta cheese salad. Your family will love them. Pasta salad does not have to be boring. Pesto chicken pasta salad is loaded with chicken, cheese, and veggies for a complete, satisfying meal. Fresh pesto keeps flavors bright. Cooling pasta well prevents sogginess. It’s designed to be made in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully as it chills. This is a lifesaver for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, and busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant pesto is universally appealing. It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t enjoy it! Easily adaptable to dietary preferences, what’s in your fridge, and seasonal ingredients. (More on this in “Variations”). Contains protein (chicken), carbs (pasta), healthy fats (pesto, often with nuts/olive oil), and often fresh vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying dish. Fantastic for repurposing leftover cooked chicken or even roasted vegetables. Once the chicken and pasta are cooked, assembly is very fast, especially if you use store-bought pesto."

Preparation Time15 min

Chilling Time30 min

Cooking Time10 min