Description

This creamy chicken pesto pasta salad combines tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and al dente pasta for a refreshing cold meal perfect for picnics and quick lunches.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne pasta

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

1/2 cup pesto sauce

1/3 cup mayonnaise or greek yogurt

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup baby spinach or arugula

salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente then drain and rinse under cold water.

2. Whisk together pesto, mayonnaise or greek yogurt, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes and greens.

4. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated.

5. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving and garnish with basil or extra parmesan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: salad
Method: tossing
Cuisine: italian-american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 600
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 5
Unsaturated Fat: 12
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 2
Protein: 18
Cholesterol: 50

Keywords: creamy chicken pesto pasta salad, cold chicken meals, picnic chicken recipes, chicken penne pasta salad, healthy chicken pasta salad recipes, leftover chicken salad