Looking for more pasta salad recipes? Try this Greek Pasta Salad, Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad, or Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing next!
Why This Recipe Works
Perfect for Summer: Pasta salads are my go-to for warm weather side dishes, and this Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is a serious game changer. Throw in some fresh greens and shredded chicken and this pasta salad is the perfect side dish! Simple & Delicious: Not only is this pasta salad easy to make, but it is also super satisfying! Sometimes the best meals are those that are made with simple, fresh ingredients. With only eight ingredients, this salad packs an incredible amount of flavor, texture, and that Spring-Summer vibe you want in a pasta salad – though it’s so good you’ll wanna make it all year long! Oh So Fresh: Is there a more iconic flavor combination that basil and tomatoes? They make such a fresh and dreamy flavor that I absolutely love. Along with savory parmesan and a bright Italian dressing, you will be truly impressed with this pasta salad recipe!
Ingredients
Fusilloni Pasta– I use Fusilloni pasta for this recipe, but any bite sized pasta will work! Italian Salad Dressing– Use your favorite Italian dressing from the store. Pesto– You can use jarred or homemade pesto sauce. Baby Spinach & Arugula– Fresh greens in this pasta salad elevate it and add texture and vitamins and minerals! Shredded Chicken– To make this super easy, you can use rotisserie chicken or boil your chicken before hand. Cherry Tomatoes– Sliced in half. Parmesan Cheese– Add some grated parmesan cheese on top or try feta or mozzarella.
Here’s How You Make It
Step by Step Instructions
Expert Tips
Try adding cucumbers, feta cheese, mini mozzarella balls or fresh basil! If you want a vegetarian pasta salad, just omit the chicken. For more savory deliciousness, try adding some crispy bacon! This pasta salad is versatile and your options are endless! Instead of jarred pesto, try using my Homemade Pesto Sauce as the base of this recipe! Pesto Pasta Salad can be served as a side dish or as it’s own meal with some grilled corn on the cob and Fresh Fruit Salad!
More Recipes to Try
5-Minute Pesto One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Greek Pasta Salad Tuscan Sausage Pasta Farmers Market Veggie Pasta
