Are you ready to elevate your summer dining experience with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and freshness? Look no further than this Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delightful Italian-inspired meal that’s perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner. With tender grilled chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and a luscious pesto dressing, this pasta salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. Don’t miss out on the secret to making this dish a crowd-pleaser—read on to discover how to create a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup grilled chicken, sliced
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and pesto sauce. Gently toss ingredients to ensure even coating of pesto.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta salad. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasoning.
- Cover bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. This will enhance the overall taste of the pasta salad.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a final gentle stir. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve chilled as a refreshing main course or side dish.
Tips
- Cook the Pasta Perfectly: To achieve that ideal al dente texture, be sure to salt your water generously and follow the package instructions closely. Rinsing the pasta with cold water after draining stops the cooking process and helps maintain its firmness.
- Grill with Precision: When grilling the chicken, ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat. This will give your chicken those beautiful grill marks while keeping it juicy inside. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Pesto Perfection: For the best flavor, consider making your own pesto if you have the time! Fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan blended together create a vibrant sauce that elevates this dish.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully. This step is crucial for enhancing the overall taste, so don’t skip it!
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of extra parmesan and fresh basil leaves right before serving adds a touch of elegance and flavor. Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like pine nuts or arugula for added texture and taste!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
