Description
This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Featuring tender diced chicken, al dente cavatappi pasta, fresh mozzarella pearls, crisp mini-cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a vibrant pesto dressing, this salad is bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Ready in just over half an hour, it’s a great make-ahead option that keeps well in the fridge for up to four days.
Ingredients
Protein & Pasta
- 2 ½ cups diced cooked chicken (12 ounces)
- 6 ounces cavatappi pasta (about 16 ounces cooked; use gluten-free if needed)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- 2 cups sliced Persian or mini-cucumbers
- 6 ounces grape or heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Dressing & Garnish
- ½ cup prepared pesto (preferably refrigerated to keep vibrant green color)
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine pasta and chicken: Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions, drain, and allow it to cool to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the diced cooked chicken.
- Add vegetables and cheese: Mix in the fresh mozzarella pearls, sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, prepared pesto, and shredded Parmesan cheese gently to combine all ingredients without breaking the cheese or vegetables.
- Garnish and serve: Top the salad with fresh basil leaves and additional shredded Parmesan cheese if desired, adding an aromatic finish and extra flavor.
- Store leftovers: Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For best pesto flavor and color, choose a refrigerated pesto rather than shelf-stable.
- This salad tastes best when served chilled or at room temperature.
- Leftover salad can be a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
- Feel free to swap out mozzarella pearls for cubed fresh mozzarella if unavailable.
