Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad brings together the bright, fresh flavors of a classic Italian garden with the comforting heartiness of grilled chicken. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of a sunny afternoon gathering, light but satisfying enough to feel like a proper meal.

The pesto clings to every bite of pasta, while the tomatoes and mozzarella add bursts of freshness that keep things lively and bright.

This salad doesn’t demand much fuss—just good ingredients and a little love—and it’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all to yourself.

Ingredients

Here’s a simple, fresh combination that brings together tender grilled chicken, flavorful pesto pasta, and bright pops of cherry tomatoes and mozzarella for a salad that’s both satisfying and light. A handful of peppery arugula and toasted pine nuts round it out with texture and a little extra zing.

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 2 cups grilled chicken breast, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, roasted
• 8 ounces mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 1 cup fresh arugula
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

This lively pasta salad is a breeze to bring together, where every ingredient shines and blends with that familiar, comforting touch of pesto. Let’s get your kitchen smelling like a cozy Italian trattoria in no time.

1. Cook the penne pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the penne pasta; cook until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes, then drain and let it cool slightly.
2. Toss pasta with basil pesto: While the pasta is still a bit warm, stir in the cup of basil pesto until every piece is nicely coated—this way the sauce clings perfectly.
3. Combine grilled chicken: Add the sliced grilled chicken breast to the pesto pasta and gently toss to mix the flavors warmly.
4. Incorporate roasted cherry tomatoes: Fold in the roasted cherry tomatoes, letting their juicy sweetness brighten up the salad.
5. Add mozzarella balls: Scatter the mozzarella balls throughout for creamy, tender bites that balance the sharpness of the pesto.
6. Mix in fresh arugula: Toss in the fresh arugula just before serving to keep its peppery zing crisp and fresh.
7. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts: Scatter the toasted pine nuts over the salad for a lovely crunch and nutty aroma.
8. Season with salt and pepper: Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper to your liking—just a pinch goes a long way.
9. Drizzle with olive oil: Finish with a gentle drizzle of good olive oil to add that silky smoothness and extra Italian warmth.

Tweaks and Additions

This pasta salad is already full of sunshine and good vibes, but a few little twists and touches can take it even closer to that perfect, comforting Italian flavour. Here are some simple ideas to mix it up or add a bit more something special—no fuss, just extra love for your bowl.

• Swap grilled chicken for Italian sausage: Use mild or spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a richer, more savory flavor that pairs beautifully with pesto.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice: A little fresh lemon juice tossed in just before serving brightens the whole salad and adds a fresh zing that balances the richness.
• Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes: These add a chewy, tangy bite that deepens the tomato flavor and gives a nice contrast to the roasted cherry tomatoes.
• Stir in a handful of chopped fresh parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, herbal note that lifts the salad without stealing the show from basil pesto.
• Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone: Swap some or all of the mozzarella balls for provolone cubes to add a slightly sharper, creamier cheese experience.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes: A gentle sprinkle of red pepper flakes will bring a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors—just enough to make you smile.
• Include thinly sliced red onion: This gives a light crunch and a touch of sweetness that pairs nicely with the pesto and tomatoes.
• Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze: A little balsamic glaze drizzle right before serving adds a sweet and tangy note that brings the whole dish together like a warm Italian hug.