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Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

This chicken pesto pasta salad is a fresh, high-protein summer dish made with pasta, juicy chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, avocado, red onion, and...
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz short pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast chopped or shredded
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 ripe avocado diced
  • 1/4 small red onion diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh arugula
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • salt
  • black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
  1. Toss the cooked pasta with basil pesto and shredded Parmesan in a large bowl until evenly coated.
  1. Add the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Mix gently to combine.
  1. Fold in the diced avocado and fresh arugula just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
  1. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Add avocado right before serving so it stays fresh and doesn’t brown.
  • Let the salad chill for 20–30 minutes before serving for deeper flavor.
  • Add a drizzle of extra pesto and olive oil if the salad feels dry after chilling.