Description
A bright and satisfying Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad featuring tender chicken breast, fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and creamy plant-based cheese, all tossed in a natural basil pesto dressing. Perfect for picnics, quick lunches, or potlucks, this colorful and nutritious salad is easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups small pasta (fusilli or penne), cooked al dente and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, chunks or crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (natural)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process, preserving firmness and texture.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together basil pesto (natural), lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth and glossy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add cooled pasta, chicken pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped fresh basil, and parsley into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add Plant-Based Cheese: Fold in chunks or crumbles of plant-based cheese, adding creamy texture throughout the salad.
- Season and Chill: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and develop.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain a nice bite and avoid sogginess.
- Chill salad before serving to enhance and intensify flavors.
- Prep chicken and pasta ahead to save time on busy days.
- Add fresh basil and parsley last to maximize aroma and vibrant color.
- Use a good quality natural basil pesto for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pesto chicken pasta salad, plant-based cheese, fresh herbs, summer salad, quick lunch, picnic salad, healthy pasta salad
