Italian chicken pesto pasta salad

This Italian chicken pesto pasta salad is a perfect blend of flavors—tender pasta, juicy grilled chicken, and vibrant pesto sauce, mixed with fresh veggies and a sprinkle of parmesan. It’s a hearty yet light dish that’s great for lunches, dinners, or even meal prepping for the week. The pesto brings everything together in a deliciously simple way.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Servings: 11 cups – 8 (1 ¾ cup) servings

Author: Siddhanath Metkari

Recipe Tools You Use:

1. Garlic Press
2. Wire whisk
3. a big pot
4. Sharp knife
5. bowl
6. skillet
7. kitchen tongs
8. oven

Italian chicken pesto pasta salad Recipe Video:

Ingredients:

1. 12 oz pasta
2. 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
3. 1/2 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
4. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
5. 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
6. 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
7. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
8. 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
9. 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
10. Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a big pot of water with salt. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the pasta and cook it as instructed on the package until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water to cool, and set it aside to dry slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, chop or shred it into small, bite-sized pieces. If grilling chicken, season it lightly with salt and pepper, grill until fully cooked, then let it rest before cutting into small pieces.

Step 3: Chop the Veggies

While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Place in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta and Veggies

In the large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, and chopped veggies. Mix all the ingredients together gently to ensure they are evenly combined.

Step 5: Add the Pesto

Add the pesto sauce to the salad and toss well to coat the pasta, chicken, and veggies. The pesto will infuse the salad with its fragrant, rich flavors.

Step 6: Sprinkle Parmesan and Herbs

Fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and sprinkle the salad with chopped fresh basil if you’re using it. The parmesan adds a savory, cheesy touch, while the basil brings extra freshness.

Step 7: Taste and Season

Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add more pesto if you want a stronger flavor.

Step 8: Serve or Chill

You can serve the salad immediately at room temperature, or for best results, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Give it one last toss before serving.

Tips:

• Make It Dairy-Free: Simply skip the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it dairy-free.
• Add a Crunch: Toss in some pine nuts or toasted almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Switch Up the Protein: Feel free to swap the chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or extra veggies for a vegetarian version.
• Make Ahead: This salad is great for meal prep. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days—just keep extra pesto on hand to freshen it up before serving.

This Italian chicken pesto pasta salad is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s great for any occasion. It’s simple to make and bursting with freshness, making it a go-to for quick meals and gatherings alike.

Best chicken substitutes?

If you’re looking to replace chicken in a recipe, there are plenty of excellent alternatives depending on your dietary preferences or the type of dish you’re making. Here are some of the best chicken substitutes:

1. Tofu

• Best for: Stir-fries, salads, grilled dishes
• Why: Tofu absorbs flavors well and has a firm texture when cooked. For a chicken-like texture, go for extra-firm tofu and press it to remove excess moisture before cooking.

2. Tempeh

• Best for: Sandwiches, wraps, grain bowls
• Why: Tempeh has a firmer texture and nutty flavor compared to tofu, making it a great substitute in dishes where you want a meatier bite. It’s also protein-rich and gut-friendly due to its fermentation.

3. Seitan (Wheat Gluten)

• Best for: Grilled, sautéed, or stir-fried dishes
• Why: Seitan has a chewy, meat-like texture and is high in protein. It’s often used as a mock meat in vegan and vegetarian dishes and can be flavored in many ways, making it ideal for dishes where texture is key.

4. Chickpeas

• Best for: Salads, pasta dishes, soups
• Why: Chickpeas add protein and a mild, nutty flavor to dishes. They’re a great plant-based option and pair well with sauces and spices, making them versatile in various recipes.

5. Lentils

• Best for: Stews, curries, salads
• Why: Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, making them a hearty substitute. Green or brown lentils hold their shape well and can stand in for chicken in soups, stews, and casseroles.

6. Mushrooms

• Best for: Stir-fries, pasta dishes, sandwiches
• Why: Mushrooms like portobello, cremini, or shiitake have a rich, umami flavor and meaty texture, making them excellent for replacing chicken in savory dishes.

7. Jackfruit

• Best for: Tacos, sandwiches, pulled “chicken” dishes
• Why: When cooked, jackfruit has a shredded texture similar to pulled chicken. It absorbs flavors from sauces well, making it ideal for BBQ-style dishes or tacos.

8. Cauliflower

• Best for: Roasted dishes, stir-fries, curries
• Why: Cauliflower has a mild flavor and hearty texture, making it a good chicken alternative in dishes like stir-fries, roasted meals, or even buffalo “wings.”

9. Quinoa

• Best for: Salads, grain bowls, casseroles
• Why: Quinoa is a protein-packed grain that works well in cold salads or warm grain bowls. While it doesn’t mimic the texture of chicken, it provides a similar filling and nutritious role.

10. Eggplant

• Best for: Grilled dishes, casseroles, and Mediterranean recipes
• Why: Eggplant has a soft, meaty texture when cooked, and its mild flavor pairs well with robust seasonings. It’s great for grilling or using in place of chicken in Italian or Mediterranean dishes.

Each of these substitutes brings something unique to a dish, allowing you to tailor the texture, flavor, and nutritional content to your preferences.

Italian chicken pesto pasta salad Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

Italian Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Health Benefits:

1. Protein-Rich: The chicken provides high-quality protein to support muscle repair and growth.
2. Healthy Fats: Pesto made with olive oil and nuts offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
3. Antioxidants: Fresh veggies like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, supporting overall health.
4. Bone Health: Parmesan cheese adds calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
5. Boosts Immunity: Red bell pepper and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, enhancing immune function.
6. Good for Digestion: The fiber from the vegetables and pasta aids digestion and helps maintain healthy bowel function.
7. Heart Health: Olive oil in the pesto and chicken are both known to support cardiovascular health.
8. Low in Sugar: This salad contains minimal sugar, making it a good option for those watching their sugar intake.
9. Energy-Boosting: The carbs from the pasta provide sustained energy without spiking blood sugar levels too much.
10. Versatile for Special Diets: Can be modified to be dairy-free or vegetarian, making it flexible for various dietary needs.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Store the Italian chicken pesto pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Tip: Keep extra pesto sauce on hand to refresh the salad if it becomes a bit dry after storing.

Reheat & Reuse Instructions:

Reheating:

• This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is required.

Reuse Ideas:

• Grain Bowl: Serve the salad over quinoa or farro for a heartier meal.
• Wrap or Sandwich: Use the pasta salad as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, adding fresh greens for extra crunch.
• Add Greens: Toss the leftover salad with spinach or arugula to create a pesto pasta salad bowl.

This Italian chicken pesto pasta salad is a delicious, nutritious meal that’s great for any time of day, whether for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Its versatility and vibrant flavors make it a go-to dish.

FAQ’s

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