Description
A vibrant and easy-to-make chicken pesto pasta salad combining al dente pasta, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and tender grilled chicken tossed in flavorful pesto sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli, cooked)
- 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed)
- 1 pound grilled chicken, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces mozzarella balls, halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions minus about 1 minute to achieve perfect al dente texture. Be careful not to overcook.
- Combine Pasta with Pesto Sauce: Drain the pasta thoroughly but do not rinse. Immediately transfer the hot pasta to a large mixing bowl containing the pesto sauce. Toss gently to ensure each noodle is fully coated, allowing residual heat to help the sauce adhere.
- Add Spinach: Mix in the fresh spinach leaves and stir briefly. The warmth of the pasta will slightly wilt the spinach, enhancing its flavor and texture.
- Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Fold in the diced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly without crushing the mozzarella.
- Serve: Enjoy the pasta salad immediately while still warm, or refrigerate to serve chilled later, making it a versatile dish for any season.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta after cooking to retain starch for better sauce adhesion.
- Grilled chicken can be prepared ahead or substituted with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Use fresh pesto for a brighter flavor or store-bought for simplicity.
- This salad can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
- Adjust ingredients quantities to preference, such as adding more spinach or skipping mozzarella for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: chicken pesto pasta salad, easy pasta salad, grilled chicken pasta, pesto salad, cold pasta salad, Italian pasta salad