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Looking for a healthy, protein-packed pasta salad that’s bursting with fresh flavor? This chicken pesto pasta salad is easy, delicious, and perfect for meals or sides!

This chicken pesto pasta salad is hands down one of my all-time favorite healthy pasta salad recipes. It’s packed with protein and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, perfect whether you want a satisfying meal or a crowd-pleasing side. We use our homemade pesto that’s light, bright, and seriously delicious, making this pesto pasta salad with chicken a total standout every single time.
If you’re all about easy, flavorful pasta salads that bring the zest, this one’s made just for you! Whether you’re headed to a picnic, BBQ, or just need a quick lunch, this pesto pasta salad will have you coming back for seconds, maybe even thirds! For another delicious pasta salad, don’t miss our high-protein Italian pasta salad!
Why You Will Love This Pesto Pasta Salad
- Quick & Easy: It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients.
- Fresh Flavor: This pasta salad is tossed in our vibrant homemade pesto for a bold and delicious taste.
- Protein-Packed: Made with lean chicken breast, this pasta salad is a high-protein option!
- Healthy Option: This pesto pasta salad is a healthier option made with our lightened-up homemade pesto.
- Versatile: This recipe is perfect for potlucks, picnics, meal prep, and easy meals!
Ingredients Needed

- Pasta: Cook one pound of your pasta of choice. Some great options for this pasta salad are penne, rotini, and farfalle. Or, use a low-carb pasta of choice or a protein pasta, such as chickpea pasta!
- Pesto: We used our incredible homemade healthy pesto in this pasta salad recipe! For another option, try our homemade pistachio pesto. Or, use your favorite store-bought pesto to save time.
- Chicken: Chopped or shredded fully cooked chicken breast adds protein to this pesto pasta salad! For an effortless option, make our slow cooker shredded chicken or air fryer chicken bites recipe. Or, you can use pre-cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken.
- Tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes add a juicy burst of flavor to this pasta salad! We used cherry tomatoes, but grape tomatoes also work. For another option, chop Roma tomatoes into small pieces. Or, you can use 1/3 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes instead.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Make This Pasta Salad Your Own
This chicken pesto pasta salad is incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite mix-ins to add extra flavor and texture. Here are some ideas!
- Leafy Greens: Add a few handfuls of arugula or baby spinach.
- Add Veggies: Toss in chopped cucumber, bell peppers, or roasted red peppers for crunch, color, and sweetness.
- Cheesy Option: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled light feta, or Mozzarella pearls.
- Savory Touches: Add chopped artichoke hearts, sliced pitted olives, capers, bacon bits, or crispy prosciutto bits for extra depth of flavor.
- Chicken Swap: If you don’t want to use chicken, you can replace it with cooked shrimp. For an easy and flavorful option, try our air fryer shrimp recipe!
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with rinsed and drained canned chickpeas or white beans.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this pasta salad gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
How To Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

Step 2: Drain the pasta and let it cool slightly. Then, transfer it to a large bowl.
Step 3: Add the pesto, cooked chicken, and sliced cherry tomatoes to the bowl.

Step 4: Toss everything in the bowl until well coated.

Step 5: Serve immediately or chill this pasta salad in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken pesto pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. For extra flavor, garnish with parmesan cheese crisps or crispy prosciutto bits. This pasta salad is a great side for BBQs, picnics, and casual weeknight lunches or dinners. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, an Italian chopped salad, Italian turkey meatballs, chicken parmesan burgers, and crispy baked eggplant parmesan.
Shawna’s Expert Tips
- Al Dente Pasta: Slightly firm pasta holds up better in this pasta salad and won’t get mushy.
- Good Quality Pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, fresh pesto makes all the difference in flavor.
- Taste: Depending on your pesto and add-ins, you may want to season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Storage Instructions
You can store any leftover chicken pesto pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Before enjoying leftovers, give the pasta salad a quick stir. If it seems a little dry, you can add a splash of olive oil or an extra spoonful of pesto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Ahead Of Time?
Yes! It tastes great when made a few hours ahead of time or even the day before. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
What Is The Best Pasta For Pasta Salad?
Penne, rotini, or farfalle are ideal for this pasta salad because they hold the pesto well and have a great texture.
More Italian Recipes To Try!
- Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Healthy Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
- Turkey Pesto Meatballs
- Cottage Cheese Caprese Bowl
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
CHICKEN PESTO PASTA SALAD

Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta
- 1 cup prepared pesto, our healthy pesto recipe or store-bought
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and let it cool slightly. Then, transfer it to a large bowl.
- Add the pesto, cooked chicken, and sliced cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
- Toss everything in the bowl until well coated.
- Serve immediately or chill this pasta salad in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
Video

Notes
- Pasta: Penne, rotini, bowtie, farfalle, low-carb pasta, or high-protein pasta, such as chickpea pasta works great!
- Pesto: We used our incredible homemade healthy pesto in this pasta salad recipe! For another option, try our homemade pistachio pesto. Or, use your favorite store-bought pesto.
- Chicken: For an effortless option, make our slow cooker shredded chicken or air fryer chicken bites recipe. Or, you can use pre-cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with rinsed and drained canned chickpeas or white beans.
- Cheesy Option: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled light feta, or Mozzarella pearls.
- Serving Size: Each serving is about 1 – 1 ⅓ cups of pasta salad.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is hands down our family’s favorite pasta salad recipe. It is super easy to make and packed with flavor! Pro tip: our star ingredient is the homemade, lightened-up pesto 👇https://healthyfoodiegirl.com/homemade-healthy-pesto-recipe/
that gives it that fresh, zesty kick without weighing it down. Perfect for quick lunches, BBQs, or just when you want something tasty and simple. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one.