Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that earns its place in your regular rotation — quick to make, full of vibrant flavours, and just as good for weeknight dinners as it is for a last-minute potluck dish. This delicious pasta salad recipe combines juicy chicken breast, al dente pasta, and creamy pesto dressing for a complete meal you can enjoy at room temperature or chilled.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast about 220g
- 1 teaspoon mixed dried herbs
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- a pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 150 g pasta
- 100 g basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or creme fraiche
- 100 g cherry tomatoes halves
- 80 g pearl mozzarella
- ½ bell pepper diced
Instructions
- Mix mixed herbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Cut the chicken in half horizontally, so you have two thin patties. Sprinkle both sides with the herb mixture.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add the chicken, and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through. Set aside to cool down.
- Once cool, cut it into small cubes.
- In the meantime, cook pasta in a large pot of salted water, following the packet instructions, making sure the pasta is cooked al dente. Drain and leave to cool down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pesto and creme fraiche (or mayo). Season with salt and black pepper, if needed.
- Add the cooled pasta, cubed chicken, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, mozzarella pearls and toss to coat.
Nutrition
Calories: 549kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 31gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 583mgPotassium: 516mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1639IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 213mgIron: 2mg
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