Newks Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

This Newks Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish inspired by the popular deli-style pasta salad. Loaded with tender chicken, al dente pasta, fresh veggies, and rich pesto, it’s a hearty yet refreshing option that’s perfect for lunch, picnics, or a light dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

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

Newks Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe Video:

 Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1. 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (grilled or rotisserie works great)
3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
5. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
6. 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
7. 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
8. 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
9. 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

For the Pesto Dressing:

1. 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
2. 1/4 cup olive oil
3. 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
4. Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, adding salt, and bring it to a boil. Prepare the bowtie pasta as directed on the package until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Pesto Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice, and whisk them together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If your pesto is thick, you can thin it out with a little more olive oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Veggies and Chicken

As the pasta cooks, prepare the remaining ingredients. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, chop the roasted red peppers, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, grill or roast it and shred or cube it once it’s done.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the cooled pasta with chicken, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, red onion, black olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add the chopped spinach for freshness.

Step 5: Add the Pesto Dressing

Pour the pesto dressing over the salad and toss everything together until all the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with the rich pesto flavor.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Sample the pasta salad and modify the seasoning as necessary. If additional brightness is required, incorporate a small amount of salt, pepper, or a dash of lemon juice.

Step 8: Serve or Chill

Serve the salad promptly at room temperature, or allow it to chill in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes to enable the flavors to blend harmoniously. Toss again before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: This salad is an excellent choice for meal preparation. It can be refrigerated for a maximum of three days. Just toss with a bit more olive oil or pesto before serving to refresh the flavors.
• Extra Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables such as artichoke hearts, cucumbers, or fresh bell peppers to enhance both texture and flavor.
• Protein Boost: Amp up the protein by adding more chicken or even tossing in some cooked shrimp or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Utilize your preferred gluten-free pasta to create a gluten-free variation of this salad.

This Newks Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, creamy, and flavorful, with every bite bursting with pesto and veggie goodness. It is perfect for summer gatherings or for a quick and delightful meal at any time.

Nutrition Information (4 servings):

Health Benefits of Newks Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad:

1. High in Protein: Chicken provides a great source of lean protein to help build and repair muscles.
2. Heart Health: Olive oil and pesto contain healthy fats that are good for heart health and help lower bad cholesterol levels.
3. Rich in Antioxidants: Basil pesto and sun-dried tomatoes are packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and boost immune function.
4. Bone Health: Parmesan cheese is rich in calcium, promoting strong bones and teeth.
5. Supports Digestive Health: Spinach and roasted red peppers are high in fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
6. Boosts Immunity: Red onions contain sulfur compounds that help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.
7. Good for Skin: Pesto’s ingredients like olive oil and basil contain vitamins E and A, which contribute to healthy skin.
8. Improves Eye Health: Spinach and red peppers are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which help maintain healthy vision.
9. Promotes Heart Health: Fresh spinach is a great source of potassium and magnesium, which help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
10. Energizing Carbohydrates: Pasta provides a slow-releasing source of carbohydrates, offering sustained energy throughout the day.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
• Dressing: Keep the pesto dressing in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheat & Reuse Instructions:

Reheating:

• This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat the pasta and chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.

Reuse Ideas:

• Pesto Chicken Wrap: Use the leftover salad as a filling for a wrap with extra greens or veggies.
• Pasta Bake: Combine the leftover salad with some extra cheese and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to create a warm pasta bake.
• Add Fresh Veggies: Refresh the salad by mixing in cucumbers, bell peppers, or even some arugula for extra crunch.
• Pesto Chicken Sandwich: Use the leftover chicken pesto pasta mix to create a flavorful sandwich with some fresh bread or a baguette.

This Newks Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep and stays flavorful for days, offering versatility for leftovers.

FAQ’s

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