Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta salad recipe? This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for a quick lunch or dinner. Packed with flavors from homemade pesto sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Follow this recipe to create a refreshing and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed hot or cold!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth to make the pesto sauce.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and bell pepper.
4. Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Garnish with additional basil leaves and Parmesan cheese before serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought pesto sauce instead of making it from scratch?

A: Yes, you can certainly use store-bought pesto sauce for convenience. However, homemade pesto will give the pasta salad a fresher and more vibrant flavor.

Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Q: Can I add more vegetables to this pasta salad?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.

Conclusion

This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal on a busy weeknight or a refreshing dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe has got you covered. With the combination of homemade pesto sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it out today and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!