Refreshing Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad: Your Ultimate Summer Recipe Guide
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this incredibly fresh and easy-to-make pesto chicken pasta salad. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying meal prep option, or a crowd-pleasing side for your next outdoor gathering. Featuring tender pasta, succulent chicken, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a generous coating of aromatic basil pesto, every bite is an explosion of Mediterranean-inspired goodness. This recipe promises a delightful balance of hearty textures and light, bright flavors, making it an undeniable favorite for the warmer months.
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About This Refreshing Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
This pesto chicken pasta salad is a true culinary gem – it’s fresh, hearty, and perfectly designed for the leisurely pace of summer. It brings together the best of Italian-inspired flavors and textures in one satisfying bowl. Imagine perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta, known for its corkscrew shape that beautifully captures the sauce, tossed with succulent, juicy chicken pieces. Adding to this delightful mix are creamy mozzarella pearls that offer a burst of milky freshness, peppery arugula for a delightful bite, and sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes that add a juicy pop of color and natural sweetness. Everything is generously coated in a rich, herbaceous basil pesto, ensuring maximum flavor in every single forkful.
This dish is incredibly versatile, making it the ideal choice for almost any meal or occasion. It’s fantastic for meal prepping your lunches for the week, serving as a vibrant centerpiece for a picnic, or as a flavorful side dish to complement your next BBQ spread. Its refreshing quality makes it particularly suitable for warm weather dining, where you crave something satisfying yet light.
The inspiration for this pesto chicken pasta salad recipe arose on one of those busy weeknights when a quick yet delicious dinner was absolutely essential. I happened to have some leftover grilled chicken and a jar of my exquisite homemade pistachio pesto in the fridge (a secret weapon that truly elevates this dish to an unparalleled level – seriously, give it a try!). As many of you know my profound love for pasta salad, it was only natural that this was the dish I had to whip up. After effortlessly tossing all these fantastic ingredients with the perfectly cooked pasta, creamy mozzarella, and a generous handful of fragrant fresh basil plucked straight from my garden, I instantly knew I had created a new summer staple that would be on repeat in my kitchen.
The true magic of this salad undeniably lies in the pesto. While a high-quality store-bought pesto can certainly work wonders in a pinch, if you have a bit more time to spare, investing in homemade pesto is an effort that is truly worth it. The vibrant basil, combined with the rich olive oil, exquisitely coats each piece of pasta with an incredible herby goodness. The creamy mozzarella pearls introduce a delightful richness and textural contrast, while the fresh arugula and sweet cherry tomatoes brilliantly maintain a light, crisp, and refreshing balance. This combination ensures a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate.
Beyond its deliciousness, this pasta salad is also endlessly adaptable! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. For a different protein, you can easily swap the chicken for succulent boiled shrimp, flaky grilled salmon, or even hearty chickpeas for a fantastic vegetarian spin. You can also incorporate any leftover summer vegetables you might have; perfectly grilled zucchini slices and tender roasted bell peppers, for instance, integrate beautifully and add even more color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pesto chicken pasta salad perfectly encapsulates all the satisfying flavors and delightful textures you desire, all while offering a lighter, fresher feel that makes it absolutely ideal for those warm summer days.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: This recipe is designed for convenience, allowing you to toss everything together and have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Main or Side Dish: It’s hearty enough to serve as a satisfying main course for lunch or dinner, yet light and refreshing enough to be an excellent side dish for picnics, potlucks, or BBQs.
- Made with Fresh, Wholesome Ingredients: Utilizing vibrant basil pesto, ripe cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula, and tender chicken, this salad is packed with natural goodness and bursting with fresh flavors.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: Prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week, and enjoy flavorful, healthy lunches or quick dinners throughout the next few days. It holds up beautifully in the refrigerator.
- Naturally Flavorful and Adaptable: The inherent richness of pesto combined with fresh ingredients creates a taste sensation. It’s also incredibly easy to modify for various dietary needs, such as dairy-free or vegetarian preferences.
- Simple to Customize: Don’t limit yourself! Easily switch up the protein with shrimp, chickpeas, or even add your favorite seasonal vegetables like grilled zucchini or roasted bell peppers for endless variations.
Key Ingredients for Your Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Crafting this delightful pesto chicken pasta salad requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Cooked chicken: You’ll need about 2 cups of diced cooked chicken. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – use whatever cooked chicken you have on hand! This could be succulent grilled chicken, tender roasted chicken breast, or even the convenience of a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just ensure it’s cooled and diced into bite-sized pieces for even distribution and easier eating.
Cavatappi pasta: This corkscrew-shaped pasta is ideal for pasta salads because its ridges and hollow interior are perfect for catching and holding onto the creamy pesto sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. If cavatappi isn’t available, don’t worry! You can easily swap it for another short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or rotini, all of which work wonderfully in salads.
Fresh mozzarella pearls: These small, tender balls of fresh mozzarella add a delightful creaminess and a mild, milky flavor to the salad. They melt slightly into the warmth of the pasta (if served warm) or maintain their soft texture when served cold, providing a pleasant textural contrast. Mini mozzarella balls, sometimes called bocconcini, also work perfectly and can be halved if they are a bit too large.
Arugula: This peppery green adds a wonderful, slightly spicy, and fresh dimension that cuts through the richness of the pesto and mozzarella. Arugula keeps the salad feeling light and vibrant. If its peppery notes are not to your taste, you can substitute it with tender baby spinach leaves for a milder flavor and similar texture.
Cherry tomatoes: Fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes are essential for their juicy sweetness and bright acidity. They add beautiful pops of color and burst with flavor. You can use any type of cherry tomato, but heirloom varieties can offer an even more striking visual appeal. Grape tomatoes are also an excellent substitute and work just as well.
Red onion: A small amount of finely diced red onion introduces a subtle sharpness and a lovely crunch that balances the other flavors. It also contributes a beautiful pinkish-purple hue. If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak it in ice water for 10 minutes before adding it to mellow its flavor, or simply omit it if you prefer.
Pesto: The heart and soul of this pasta salad! You can use your favorite high-quality store-bought variety for convenience, or for an truly exceptional flavor, opt for homemade pesto. I highly recommend trying my unique pistachio pesto recipe for a delightful and slightly nutty twist that will take this dish to the next level.
Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded Parmesan cheese is mixed into the salad to enhance its savory depth and add a salty, umami kick. Don’t forget to save a little extra for a beautiful and flavorful garnish at the end, adding another layer of cheesy goodness.
Fresh basil: Beyond the pesto, fresh basil leaves are a must for their aromatic, sweet, and slightly peppery notes. You’ll want to chop some to mix into the pasta salad, infusing it with its classic fragrance, and also reserve some whole or torn leaves for a vibrant and fragrant garnish upon serving.
Essential Tools for This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Making this delightful pesto chicken pasta salad is incredibly straightforward, especially when you have the right kitchen tools at your disposal. These basic items will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience:
Large mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl from a good set is absolutely crucial. It provides ample room to combine all the ingredients comfortably without spilling or making a mess. This is particularly important when tossing the pasta and delicate arugula with the pesto, ensuring everything is evenly coated without bruising the greens.
Salad serving utensils or tongs: To gently mix and serve the pasta salad, a good set of salad serving utensils or long tongs are ideal. They allow you to gently lift and combine the ingredients, ensuring the arugula stays crisp and doesn’t get bruised during the mixing process, which is key for maintaining the salad’s fresh texture.
Colander: A sturdy colander is indispensable for draining and rinsing your cooked pasta efficiently. Rinsing the pasta under cold water is a vital step for a pasta salad, as it stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect al dente texture for your salad.
Did you know? You can use homemade pesto sauce in this recipe for even bigger flavor and a truly gourmet touch! My pistachio pesto is an easy way to significantly level up your pasta salad, infusing it with a unique nutty, slightly sweet twist that will impress everyone.
How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
This pesto chicken pasta salad comes together effortlessly in just a few simple steps. Follow this guide for a perfect, flavorful dish every time:
1. Cook and Cool the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add your cavatappi pasta (or chosen short pasta). Cook the pasta according to the package directions, aiming for an al dente texture – meaning it should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to soften slightly once mixed into the salad. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, which is undesirable in a pasta salad. As soon as it’s cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold running water. This crucial step stops the cooking process, prevents sticking, and cools the pasta down quickly, allowing you to assemble your salad faster without waiting.
2. Prepare the Remaining Ingredients
While your pasta is cooking and cooling, use this time to get all your other fresh ingredients ready. Dice the cooked chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so that each forkful of salad has a good distribution of protein. Halve the cherry tomatoes, which helps release their juices and makes them easier to eat. Finely chop your fresh basil leaves, saving a few whole leaves for garnish later. If using red onion, dice it finely to ensure its sharp flavor is evenly distributed and not overpowering.
3. Toss All Ingredients Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the completely cooled pasta with the diced chicken. Next, add the fresh mozzarella pearls, peppery arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely diced red onion. Pour in your chosen pesto (whether homemade or store-bought) and sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Using salad serving utensils or tongs, gently mix all the ingredients. The goal is to evenly coat every piece of pasta, chicken, and vegetable with the flavorful pesto without bruising the delicate arugula leaves.
4. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is thoroughly combined, transfer the pesto chicken pasta salad to your serving dish. If you’re serving it immediately, top it with additional fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of aroma and color, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a final savory touch. This salad can be enjoyed immediately at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. It tastes even better after a short chill!
Tips for Success: Perfecting Your Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your pesto chicken pasta salad is easy with these simple tips:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This is perhaps the most important tip. Always cook your pasta just until it’s al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite with a slight resistance. If you cook it for too long, the pasta will become overly soft and mushy once it’s mixed with the other ingredients and sits in the dressing, diminishing the salad’s overall appeal.
- Rinse Pasta Under Cold Water Immediately: After draining the cooked pasta, rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. This essential step serves two purposes: it immediately stops the cooking process, preventing overcooking, and it quickly cools down the pasta, which is crucial for a cold pasta salad. This also removes excess starch, preventing the pasta from clumping together.
- Add Arugula Just Before Serving: To maintain the crisp, peppery texture of the arugula, it’s best to incorporate it into the salad right before you plan to serve it. If you’re preparing this salad for meal prep, store the arugula separately and only mix it into individual portions when you’re ready to eat them. This prevents the greens from wilting or becoming soggy in the dressing.
- Refresh Flavors with Extra Pesto or Olive Oil: If your pasta salad has been sitting in the refrigerator for a while, the pasta might absorb a good deal of the pesto, making it seem a bit dry. Before serving leftovers, stir in an extra spoonful or two of pesto or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This will refresh the flavors and bring back its vibrant moisture and texture.
- Incorporate a Citrusy Kick: For an added layer of brightness and to cut through the richness of the pesto and cheese, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire salad just before serving. A tablespoon or two can make a significant difference, enhancing the overall freshness and lifting the flavors.
- Season Generously: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning! Pesto can vary in saltiness, and fresh ingredients benefit from proper seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed before serving.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad: Creative Variations
This pesto chicken pasta salad recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for countless variations to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it your own:
- Protein Swaps: While chicken is classic, you can easily substitute it with other proteins. Try succulent boiled shrimp or perfectly grilled salmon for a seafood-inspired version. For a delightful vegetarian option, omit the chicken entirely and toss in hearty chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even pan-fried halloumi cheese for added texture and savory flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply use a dairy-free pesto (ensure it doesn’t contain Parmesan or other cheeses) and skip the mozzarella pearls and Parmesan cheese. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or simply enjoy it without, allowing the vibrant pesto to shine.
- Add Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by tossing in your favorite grilled or roasted vegetables. Slices of grilled zucchini, tender roasted bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sautéed mushrooms, or blanched asparagus spears all work exceptionally well, adding more color, texture, and vitamins.
- Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While cavatappi is fantastic for its sauce-catching abilities, feel free to use other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, rotini, or even farfalle (bow-tie pasta) if you prefer or have them on hand. Each shape offers a slightly different mouthfeel and visual appeal.
- Pesto Flavor Profile: Don’t limit yourself to classic basil pesto! Explore different pesto varieties such as sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer, tangier flavor, or even a spicy arugula pesto for an extra kick. Homemade pesto allows for even more customization, like using different nuts (walnuts, pecans) or herbs (parsley, cilantro).
- Introduce Olives or Artichoke Hearts: For a more Mediterranean flair, consider adding pitted Kalamata olives or chopped marinated artichoke hearts. Their briny, tangy notes complement the pesto beautifully and add another layer of complexity.
Craving more pasta salad goodness? Check out these other refreshing recipes: Summer Lemon Pasta Salad | Crunchy Thai Pasta Salad | Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad | Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Yes, absolutely! This pasta salad is an ideal candidate for making ahead, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. You can prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the freshest flavor and best texture, however, we recommend adding the delicate arugula and an extra drizzle of pesto (or a touch of olive oil) right before you plan to serve it. This keeps the greens crisp and refreshes the dressing.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility with chicken! You can use any cooked chicken you happen to have on hand. Options include grilled chicken for a smoky flavor, roasted chicken for tender juiciness, poached chicken for a very lean option, or even the convenience of a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. The most important thing is that the chicken is fully cooked, cooled, and diced into bite-sized pieces before being tossed into the salad.
Absolutely! This pesto pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can easily be adapted for a vegetarian diet. Simply omit the chicken entirely. For a protein boost and added texture, you can substitute the chicken with ingredients like canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained), white beans (such as cannellini), grilled or roasted vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant), or even some pan-fried tofu or tempeh cubes. The robust flavor of the pesto ensures it will still be incredibly delicious and satisfying.
For this recipe, you have a lot of flexibility with your pesto choice! A classic basil pesto, whether homemade or your favorite store-bought brand, will always deliver that traditional, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! An arugula pesto can add a slightly peppery kick, sun-dried tomato pesto offers a richer, tangier profile, or for a unique and delicious twist, consider making my special pistachio pesto. The key is to use a high-quality pesto that you enjoy the taste of.
Unfortunately, I do not recommend freezing this pesto chicken pasta salad. The fresh vegetables, especially the arugula and cherry tomatoes, tend to lose their crisp texture and become watery and mushy upon thawing. Additionally, the mozzarella pearls can change their texture significantly after being frozen and thawed, becoming less creamy. This salad is truly best enjoyed fresh within a few days of preparation, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
Need inspiration for dinner this week? Check out my dinner recipes page for a collection of delicious and easy meal ideas!
What to Serve with Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
This pesto chicken pasta salad is so flavorful and satisfying that it can easily stand alone as a complete meal. However, it’s also wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of other dishes, especially if you opt to omit the chicken and serve it as a lighter side. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:
- As a Side with Crusty Bread: A simple yet perfect accompaniment is a warm, crusty loaf of bread or a slice of flavorful focaccia. It’s ideal for soaking up any leftover pesto and adds a comforting, wholesome touch to your meal.
- Grilled Meats or Fish: This pasta salad makes an excellent side dish for a wide array of grilled mains. Imagine it alongside a perfectly grilled whole chicken, a juicy grilled New York strip steak, or even a flaky grilled fish like salmon or cod. Its fresh, vibrant flavors complement the smoky char of grilled proteins beautifully, making it a standout at any of your summer gatherings.
- Light Lunch Pairings: For a quick and easy lunch, serve this pesto chicken pasta salad as a side to your favorite wraps or sandwiches. It adds a fresh, herbaceous element that elevates any handheld meal. Think a turkey club, a vegetarian wrap, or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich.
- Soups and Salads: For a light dinner, pair it with a refreshing gazpacho or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The contrasting textures and temperatures will create a balanced and delicious meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: If you’re looking for more vegetable goodness, serve it alongside a platter of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers. Their earthy sweetness will complement the pesto’s herby notes.
💬 Behind the Recipe: The Story of This Summer Favorite
This particular pesto chicken pasta salad recipe holds a special place in my heart, born out of a very common weeknight scenario. It was a warm summer evening, and I found myself staring into the refrigerator, needing to whip up something quick, delicious, and satisfying for dinner. I had some precious leftover grilled chicken breast from a previous meal, which is always a bonus, and a freshly made batch of my vibrant homemade pistachio pesto. You know how much I adore pasta salads, so the idea of combining these elements with pasta immediately sparked inspiration. I gathered some creamy mozzarella pearls, a handful of sweet cherry tomatoes, and some peppery arugula, all tossed with the perfectly cooked pasta and that incredible pesto. A generous sprinkling of fresh basil from my garden finished it off.
The result was an instant hit. The flavors were so bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced, making it feel like a gourmet meal created with minimal effort. It was so well-received that I immediately knew this wasn’t just another dinner; it was a recipe destined to be shared on Cake ‘n Knife. Since that first creation, I’ve tested and retested this recipe countless times, experimenting with various proteins, different types of pestos, and even a range of pasta shapes. Each time, I found myself returning to this particular combination, confirming its status as a reliable, flavor-packed summer staple that I now enthusiastically recommend to everyone. It’s a testament to simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable.
How to Store Your Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Proper storage is key to enjoying your pesto chicken pasta salad for several days. To keep it fresh and delicious, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out and the other ingredients from losing their vibrancy. Store the container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 4 days. Before serving, it’s a good idea to stir in a little extra pesto or a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil. This will help to refresh the flavors, re-moisten the pasta (which tends to absorb sauce over time), and bring the salad back to its original deliciousness. This pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or allowed to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, depending on your preference.
More of Our Favorite Light Meals for Any Occasion
If you loved this pesto chicken pasta salad, you’re sure to enjoy these other light and refreshing meal ideas from our collection:
This chicken caesar pasta salad masterfully combines all the classic elements of your favorite Caesar salad – crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing – with the satisfying twist of pasta and tender chicken. It’s a hearty yet fresh meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Our juicy mango chicken salad is the ultimate meal prep chicken salad for summer. It features a delightful blend of sweet mango, savory chicken, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a light dressing that’s bursting with tropical flavors. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make ahead.
You’ll absolutely love the vibrant flavors and delightful heat packed into this southwest chicken salad. It comes complete with a homemade chipotle ranch dressing that adds a smoky, spicy kick, making it a dynamic and exciting meal that’s anything but boring.
Discover More Seasonal Delights with Our Cookbook
Unlock a world of culinary inspiration with our Everyday Seasonal Cookbook! This comprehensive guide is packed with invaluable seasonal produce guides, mouth-watering recipes for every occasion, and a wealth of tips and tricks to help you make the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients throughout the year. From light summer salads to hearty winter stews, this cookbook is your go-to resource for delicious, seasonal cooking that celebrates the best of every season.
Finally, if you make this pesto chicken pasta salad recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment below! Your feedback means the world to me. I genuinely love hearing when you all make my recipes, and I make it a point to take the time to respond to every single comment. It’s incredibly rewarding to know these dishes are finding a home in your kitchens.
Feel free to drop any questions below as well, if you have them! I’m always happy to help.
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I absolutely love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – looking through your photos is honestly my favorite thing to do. It truly means the world to me!
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This delightful recipe yields approximately 8 servings when served as a refreshing side dish, or 4 to 6 generous servings if enjoyed as a satisfying main course.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Equipment
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Large Mixing Bowls – Essential for tossing ingredients without mess.
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Covered Stockpot – For cooking your pasta to al dente perfection.
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Salad Tongs or Serving Utensils – To gently combine ingredients and prevent bruising.
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Colander – For draining and rinsing pasta efficiently.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken*
- 6 oz cavatappi pasta or other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or mini mozzarella balls
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 6 oz cherry tomatoes halved (red, yellow, or heirloom varieties)
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto of your choice we highly recommend homemade pistachio pesto for elevated flavor!
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish, if desired
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil plus extra leaves for a fresh garnish
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse immediately with cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.
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While the pasta is cooking, prepare all of the other fresh ingredients: dice the cooked chicken, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and chop the fresh basil (reserving some for garnish).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the diced chicken. Add the mozzarella pearls, arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, pesto, shredded Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Mix gently with salad tongs or serving utensils to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the pesto.
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Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
Video Tutorial
Notes
Store any leftover pesto chicken pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For optimal freshness and flavor, consider adding the arugula and an extra drizzle of pesto or olive oil just before serving, especially if it’s been stored for a day or two.