Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

This chicken pesto pasta salad is light, healthy and packed with the perfect basil pesto flavor! Great for BBQs, brunches, baby showers & more!

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Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Pesto

Refreshing and flavorful, this chicken pesto pasta salad combines cooked chicken and pasta with a vibrant pesto dressing. Packed full of mouthwatering taste from the basil pesto, tender chicken and al dente pasta, it’s the perfect choice for a light lunch, dinner or the perfect recipe to bring to a BBQ. Two other summer favorites include this Caprese pasta salad and orzo pasta salad!

I first had this dish at a lunch plate and knew immediately I wanted to recreate it at home. After taking my first stab at it, the pasta salad turned out DELICIOUS! It’s so light and healthy and even husband-approved!

The combination of flavors is seriously to-die-for! Like my chicken Caesar salad recipe it is so easy to throw together and can be eaten as both a main or side dish. It also is equally as great eaten as leftovers…believe me, you won’t leave a bite behind! This has become one of my favorite go-to pasta salad recipes and I have no doubt it will become of yours as well!

Modifications for Pesto Pasta Salad

• Cheese. Can sub the feta with cubes of mozzarella if preferred.
• Pasta. I typically use bow tie pasta, but penne or rotini would work great too. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Chicken. Shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken all work great in this recipe.
• Pesto.Store bought pesto works great, but I love to use my easy homemade basil pestoor vegan pesto.
• Dressing. Instead of Italian dressing, you can use 1/2 Tablespoon ranch seasoning mixed with 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt.
• Extras. Feel free to add in extras, like sundried tomatoes, diced avocado or pine nuts for a little crunch.

Make Ahead and Storing

Making in advance: You can absolutely prepare this dish ahead of time if preferred. Storing it in the fridge for a few hours beforehand actually gives the flavors time to marinate together a little more. If you’re worried about the spinach and tomatoes getting soggy, feel free to just toss them in right before serving.If the pasta dries out a little while chilling, simply add another Tablespoon of olive oil (or Italian dressing) prior to serving.

Storing: Store this salad covered in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always make sure to give it a stir before serving so that you get the perfect amount of flavor in every bite!

More Pasta Salad Recipes

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