Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of fresh ingredients, savory pesto, and tender chicken that creates a delicious and satisfying dish. This salad is vibrant and full of flavor, making it a great choice for any meal—whether you’re preparing it for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even a potluck. The combination of rotini pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and a mix of fresh vegetables makes this salad both filling and refreshing. With the added zing of balsamic glaze and the richness of pesto, it brings together everything you love about a hearty, yet fresh, salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a wide variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or need a quick meal for a busy weeknight, this salad offers the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and carbohydrates to keep you satisfied. The pesto dressing, with its rich, herbal taste, coats the pasta beautifully, while the rotisserie chicken adds a savory depth of flavor and saves time. Plus, the sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, grape tomatoes, and basil provide extra layers of taste and texture. The balsamic glaze drizzle on top gives a finishing touch that brings the whole dish together. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy, and it’s versatile enough to suit different dietary preferences and tastes.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Rotini pasta (1 pkg, 450g or 16 oz)
• Italian salad dressing (1/2 cup)
• Pesto (1 cup, bottled or fresh)
• Shredded rotisserie chicken (3 cups, both chicken breasts)
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (1/2 cup, optional)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (sprinkle, optional)
• Fresh basil, sliced into strips (1/2 cup)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup, optional, plus another 1/4 cup for sprinkling)
• Grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half (1 cup)
• Fresh baby spinach, chopped (1 cup)
• Balsamic glaze reduction, for drizzling (1/4 cup, see notes for how to make it)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Variations

This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is highly customizable, allowing you to add or swap out ingredients based on your preferences:

• Vegetarian version: Omit the rotisserie chicken and add more vegetables, such as roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or olives, for a hearty meatless salad.
• Different proteins: If you prefer, you can swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, turkey, or even crispy bacon for added flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Noodles: If you don’t have rotini, any pasta shape works well, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
• Add nuts: To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle pine nuts or walnuts on top for extra texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use both chicken breasts or mix with thighs for a juicier option. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and fresh spinach. Add the sliced grape tomatoes and basil.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour in the pesto and Italian dressing, then toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing it through to combine. If desired, reserve some cheese to sprinkle on top for extra flavor.

Step 6: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle the balsamic glaze reduction over the salad just before serving for an added touch of sweetness and tang.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with additional basil leaves, crushed red pepper flakes (if desired), and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make ahead: This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld and improve.
• Chill the pasta: After cooking the pasta, allow it to cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients to avoid wilting the fresh veggies.
• Adjust the pesto: If you prefer a stronger pesto flavor, add more pesto to the salad and adjust the amount of Italian dressing accordingly.
• Balsamic glaze: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make it by simmering balsamic vinegar and sugar until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. Alternatively, you can omit it or substitute with a simple drizzle of olive oil.

How to Serve

This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is versatile enough to be served in various ways. Serve it as a light main dish, a side salad with grilled meats, or a potluck favorite. It pairs well with crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad. If you’re looking for a quick lunch, pack it in containers for an easy and satisfying meal on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become a bit drier over time, so feel free to add a little extra dressing or pesto before serving again.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad because the fresh vegetables and pesto sauce don’t freeze well and may lose their texture and flavor upon thawing.

Reheating

If you prefer to serve this dish warm, you can gently reheat the pasta and chicken in a pan on low heat. However, this dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pasta salad without pesto?

Yes, you can use a creamy dressing like ranch or Caesar instead of pesto, or simply stick with the Italian dressing for a lighter version.

2. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover grilled or baked chicken works perfectly in this pasta salad. Just shred it and mix it in with the other ingredients.

3. Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and add extra veggies or even chickpeas for protein.

4. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works great and saves time. Just choose a high-quality brand or make your own if you prefer.

5. How long will this salad keep in the fridge?

The Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal flavor.

6. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach gives the salad a nice texture, frozen spinach can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the salad.

7. Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

To make this pasta salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta.

8. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or bowtie pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta.

9. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of grape or cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can use any fresh tomatoes, but grape or cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness that works well with the pesto.

10. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or olives to customize the salad to your liking.

Conclusion

This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a fantastic option for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich pesto dressing, tender rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy balsamic glaze, it offers a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The best part is how versatile and customizable it is, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients and make it your own!

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