Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Easy Recipe Is a Must-Try
- The Perfect Summer Dish for Quick & Easy Recipes
- A Chicken Lover’s Pasta Dream
- Tips for Making the Best Pesto Pasta Salad
- Meal Prep and Leftovers Made Easy
- Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Key Takeaways
This easy chicken pesto pasta salad is quick, flavorful, and perfect for dinner or meal prep. It combines creamy pesto, tender chicken, and fresh veggies with pasta for a satisfying meal. It’s one of those quick and easy recipes that works for any day of the week.
Why This Easy Recipe Is a Must-Try
At Betty Cooks, we’re all about helping you whip up meals that are simple yet delicious. This chicken pesto pasta salad is one of our go-to easy recipes. It’s fuss-free and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual lunches. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your tastes.
The Perfect Summer Dish for Quick & Easy Recipes
Looking for recipes for dinner that won’t heat up your kitchen? This refreshing pasta salad is a great way to enjoy something hearty and flavorful without needing to turn on the oven for long. Packed with fresh ingredients and light pesto, this is summer eating at its best. It’s a winning choice when you’re short on time but want something nourishing.
A Chicken Lover’s Pasta Dream
Using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken makes this dish even more convenient. If you’re into easy recipes with rotisserie chicken, this one should be on your list. The chicken brings protein, while the pasta and veggies round out the meal. It’s filling without being heavy—a balance we love at Betty Cooks.
Tips for Making the Best Pesto Pasta Salad
To get the best results, rinse your pasta under cold water after cooking to stop it from getting mushy. Use a quality pesto—store-bought or homemade—and mix it with a little mayo to get that creamy texture. This easy recipe pairs beautifully with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onion for added crunch and color.
Meal Prep and Leftovers Made Easy
If you love easy recipes for dinner that also double as great leftovers, this dish is a win-win. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy it for lunch the next day. It’s also perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead—no reheating necessary.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Pair this chicken pesto pasta salad with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete dinner. For a picnic or potluck, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Want to make it even more filling? Add a handful of mozzarella balls or sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving. This dish proves that quick and easy recipes can still impress.
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup dairy-free pesto (or regular pesto)
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo (or regular mayo)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pesto and vegan mayo until smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken, red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
- Add in the pasta and toss everything until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
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