This chicken pesto pasta salad is made with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and fresh basil pesto. A flavorful, make-ahead dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a weeknight dinner.

Close-up of chicken pesto pasta salad with juicy chicken and basil pesto on a plate.

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Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Chicken pesto pasta salad combines cooked chicken and pasta with vibrant pesto, juicy tomatoes and creamy feta cheese. It’s protein-packed, full of mouthwatering flavors and can be served for an easy lunch, light dinner or as a side dish recipe to bring to a BBQ.

I first had a pasta salad with chicken and pesto at a local café and knew I had to recreate it at home. This easy pasta salad recipe is packed with bold flavor, comes together fast, and is just as good cold as it is warm.

Why I Love This Recipe

Ingredient Notes

Cooked chicken, pasta, pesto, spinach, tomatoes, olive oil, feta cheese and ranch dressing on counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Pasta. I typically use bow tie pasta, but penne, fusilli, cavatappi or rotini would work great too. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • Cheese. I love the salty, savory feta but cubes of fresh mozzarella or freshly shredded Parmesan can be used. Omit cheese for a dairy-free version.
  • Chicken. Shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken all work great in this recipe.
  • Pesto. Store bought pesto sauce works great, but I love to use my easy homemade basil pesto or if needed use a vegan pesto.
  • Dressing. I used my homemade ranch dressing for a creamier salad but Italian dressing can be used instead.
  • Add-ins: Halved cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), fresh baby spinach and fresh basil leaves.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Cook the bow tie pasta in salted water until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water. Drizzle cooked pasta with olive oil and toss to prevent sticking.

Cooked bow tie pasta in a pot.

Add the pasta to a large bowl and mix in the pesto and dressing. Stir in the spinach, chicken, tomatoes, and feta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, spinach, feta and pasta tossed with pesto in a bowl.

Cover and chill. Before serving add a little more olive oil if it looks dry. Enjoy this flavorful chicken pesto pasta salad for your next potluck or picnic!

Pesto pasta salad with chicken in clear serving bowl.

Pesto Pasta Salad Tips

  • Cook the pasta until soft, not al dente. Since this salad is served cold, fully cooking the pasta (rather than leaving it al dente) helps it stay soft and moist once chilled.
  • Rinse and toss the pasta with olive oil. Rinsing removes excess starch, while a little olive oil prevents clumping and helps the dressing coat the pasta more evenly.
  • Serve it cold or warm. Serve it warm right after making like I do with my chicken pesto pasta or chill pesto pasta salad in the fridge it to develop even more flavor.
  • Extras. Feel free to add in extras, like sundried tomatoes, diced avocado or pine nuts for a little crunch.
Colorful chicken pesto pasta salad served in a large clear bowl with serving spoon.

Other salads we can’t get enough of include this recipe for Caesar salad, pasta salad with spinach and this cobb salad recipe!

More Pasta Salad Recipes

Chicken pesto pasta salad on a white plate.

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

5 from 15 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
This chicken pesto pasta salad is made with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and fresh basil pesto. A flavorful, make-ahead dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a weeknight dinner.
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Ingredients 

  • 12 ounces bow tie pasta
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup basil pesto , jarred or homemade
  • ⅓ cup Homemade ranch , or Italian dressing
  • 1-2 cups chicken , grilled or rotisserie
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes , sliced in half
  • ½ cup feta cheese

Optional toppings: Pine nuts, fresh basil

Instructions

  • Cook pasta. 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.
  • Combine. Put the pasta in a large serving bowl and stir in 1 cup pesto and 1/3 cup homemade ranch or Italian dressing. Add 2 cups spinach, 1-2 cups chicken, 1 pint tomatoes and 1/2 cup feta cheese. Toss to combine. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover and refrigerate. If the pasta seems dry before serving, you can stir in another tablespoon of olive oil. Then serve and enjoy!

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Substitutions: You may substitute feta with mozzarella balls. Other types of pasta will also work, such as penne or rotini. 
Homemade pesto: Here is my favorite homemade basil pesto recipe.
Storing: This salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 429kcal, Carbohydrates: 48g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 21mg, Sodium: 493mg, Potassium: 335mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 1677IU, Vitamin C: 16mg, Calcium: 123mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs

Is it okay to use store-bought pesto?

Sure! I love my homemade pesto recipe, but you can save time and just purchase it.

Can I omit the chicken?

Yes! You can use shrimp or tuna or even make a vegetarian version with chickpeas.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can absolutely prepare this dish ahead of time if preferred. Storing it in the fridge for a few hours beforehand actually gives the flavors time to marinate together a little more. If you’re worried about the spinach and tomatoes getting soggy, feel free to just toss them in right before serving. If the pasta dries out a little while chilling, simply add another Tablespoon of olive oil (or Italian dressing) prior to serving.

How long does this pasta salad with pesto last?

You can store it covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Always make sure to give it a stir before serving so that you get the perfect amount of flavor in every bite and if it appears dry, moisten with a splash of Italian dressing or olive oil.