Pesto Chicken Salad
This Pesto Chicken Salad is light, healthy and packed with the perfect pesto flavor Great for BBQs, brunches, baby showers and more It's sure to become a go-to recipe all Summer long
This Pesto Chicken Salad is light, healthy and packed with the perfect pesto flavor Great for BBQs, brunches, baby showers and more It's sure to become a go-to recipe all Summer long
- Carbohydrate 2.88249249944156 g
- Cholesterol 8.34375000705339 mg
- Fat 4.60582000770319 g
- Fiber 0.612000020393783 g
- Protein 1.90241750051368 g
- Saturated Fat 1.80343400213258 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (62g)
- Sodium 233.989937933925 mg
- Sugar 2.27049247904777 g
- Trans Fat 0.490469376028216 g
- Calories 58 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook the bow-tie pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water.
- Drain the pasta and run it under water.
- Drizzle with olive oil and stir around.
- Put the pasta in a large serving bowl and stir in the pesto and Italian dressing.
- Add the spinach, chicken, tomatoes and feta cheese.
- Toss to combine.
- Salt and Pepper to taste.
- Cover the pesto salad and refrigerate.
- If the pasta seems dry before serving, you can stir in another tablespoon of olive oil.
My Go-To Summer Pesto Chicken Salad
Summer is officially here, and with it comes the endless search for light, refreshing, and flavorful meals that don't require hours in the kitchen. This Pesto Chicken Salad has become my absolute lifesaver, a recipe I whip up frequently for everything from casual weeknight dinners to more elaborate gatherings. It's so versatile – perfect for a quick lunch, a potluck contribution, or even a sophisticated brunch.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. It's a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, with the vibrant pesto providing a delicious base. I love using whole wheat bowtie pasta for a bit more heartiness and fiber, but regular pasta works just as well. The creamy pesto is beautifully counterbalanced by the fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and salty feta cheese. And the addition of grilled chicken (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!) provides a satisfying protein boost.
One of the reasons this salad is so popular is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients! Sun-dried tomatoes would add a lovely depth of flavor, artichoke hearts would bring a nice textural element, and toasted pine nuts would add some crunch. If you're not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even a crumbled parmesan would be delightful substitutions. The possibilities are truly endless.
Beyond its culinary versatility, this salad also ticks all the boxes for busy moms (like myself!). It’s incredibly easy to prepare; the most time-consuming part is cooking the pasta. It's also easily scalable – I can easily double or even triple the recipe depending on how many people I'm feeding. And because it tastes even better the next day (the flavors meld beautifully in the refrigerator), it's perfect for meal prepping.
This isn't just a salad; it's a testament to the power of fresh, simple ingredients combined in a way that's both satisfying and elegant. It's the kind of recipe that's both impressive enough to serve to guests and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Give it a try, and I'm confident it'll become a summer staple in your kitchen, too. I often find myself making a large batch on Sunday and enjoying it throughout the week. It’s the perfect healthy and delicious way to beat the summer heat!
So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy this fabulous summer salad. It's a culinary hug in a bowl, and it's sure to become a new favorite.
Tips and Variations:
For a Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a little kick.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or cream cheese for a richer, creamier salad.
Add Some Crunch: Toasted walnuts or pecans would add a wonderful crunch to this salad.
Make it Ahead: This salad is even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and easy meal.
Enjoy this delightful summer salad! Let me know in the comments if you try it and how you like it. Happy cooking!
