Can you make pesto chicken pasta salad the night before?

Yes, you can make pesto chicken pasta salad the night before! In fact, the flavors often meld together even better when it sits overnight. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What pasta is best for pasta salad?

The best pasta for pasta salad are shorter shapes with ridges or crevices that will hold onto the pesto. Penne, rotini, farfalle (bowties), and fusilli are all excellent choices.

How long does pesto chicken pasta salad last?

Pesto chicken pasta salad will generally last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

What goes well with pesto chicken pasta salad?

Pesto chicken pasta salad pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or fresh fruit.

How do you keep pasta salad from drying out?

To prevent pesto chicken pasta salad from drying out, add a little extra pesto or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. You can also mix in a bit of the pasta cooking water or a touch of mayonnaise for added moisture.

What is pesto chicken pasta salad made of?

Pesto chicken pasta salad typically includes cooked pasta, cooked chicken (grilled, baked, or shredded), pesto sauce, and often other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers. The exact ingredients can vary based on preference.

Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Easy Dinner Recipe 2026

Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

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This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a versatile, flavor-packed meal that feels like home. It combines lean protein, whole-grain pasta, and healthy fats for a truly satisfying lunch or dinner. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick family meal.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 10min
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: boiling
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces short pasta, like rotini, fusilli, or penne
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Let drain well.
While pasta cooks, make the dressing. Add all dressing ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until mostly smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, halved tomatoes, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Pour the creamy pesto dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is coated.
Fold in most of the toasted pine nuts, reserving some for garnish. Let the salad sit for 20-30 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Garnish with reserved pine nuts and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately or chill.

Notes

For best results, let the salad rest before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The salad can be made with gluten-free pasta, different nuts, or vegetarian protein like chickpeas.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 450
Fat: 24
Saturated Fat: 6
Unsaturated Fat: 16
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 3
Protein: 28
Cholesterol: 60

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/pesto-chicken-pasta-salad-2/