Straightforward Rooster Pesto Pasta Salad (25-Minutes)

Tender hen, al dente pasta, and vibrant basil pesto come along with contemporary greens and creamy cheese for a balanced, satisfying dish.

The very best half? It’s extremely customizable—swap in your favourite pasta, add extra veggies, or make it additional tacky.

This recipe is fast to arrange, making it a great selection for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Whether or not you want a fast lunch, a refreshing facet for a summer time BBQ, or a meal-prep-friendly recipe, this salad delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Rooster Pesto Pasta Salad

• Fast and straightforward – Prepared in beneath half-hour.
• Full of contemporary flavors – Basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, and tender hen create a scrumptious mixture.
• Good for meal prep – Take pleasure in it chilly straight from the fridge.
• Customizable – Swap components to match your preferences.

Components You’ll Want

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked hen breast (grilled, shredded, or rotisserie)
• 3 cups pasta of selection (fusilli, penne, or bowtie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup contemporary mozzarella balls or crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup crimson onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup child spinach or arugula
• ¼ cup pine nuts or almonds (for crunch)

For the Pesto Dressing:

• 2 cups contemporary basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• Salt & pepper to style

Learn how to Make Rooster Pesto Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare dinner the Pasta

• Boil pasta in salted water in line with package deal directions till al dente.
• Drain and rinse beneath chilly water to cease the cooking course of.

Step 2: Put together the Rooster

• If utilizing uncooked hen, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then grill or pan-sear till absolutely cooked.
• Let it relaxation for a couple of minutes earlier than slicing or shredding.

Step 3: Make the Pesto

• In a meals processor, mix basil, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and pine nuts.
• Mix till clean, including extra olive oil if wanted to attain a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

• In a big mixing bowl, mix cooked pasta, hen, tomatoes, mozzarella, crimson onion, and spinach.
• Pour the pesto over the salad and toss till evenly coated.
• Sprinkle with pine nuts or almonds for added crunch.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

• Let the salad sit for at the very least quarter-hour to permit the flavors to meld.
• Serve chilly or at room temperature.

Recipe Variations & Customizations

• Protein Swap: Change hen with shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
• Veggie Additions: Add cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.
• Dairy-Free Choice: Use dietary yeast as an alternative of Parmesan within the pesto.
• Gluten-Free Choice: Swap common pasta for chickpea or gluten-free pasta.

Ideas for the Greatest Rooster Pesto Pasta Salad

• Use contemporary pesto – Do-it-yourself pesto supplies the most effective taste, however store-bought works in a pinch.
• Prepare dinner pasta al dente – Overcooked pasta can turn out to be mushy in salads.
• Let the salad relaxation – Chilling the salad for at the very least quarter-hour enhances the flavors.
• Regulate pesto consistency – If the pesto is simply too thick, add extra olive oil to skinny it out.

What to Serve with Rooster Pesto Pasta Salad

• Garlic bread or bruschetta
• A contemporary inexperienced salad with balsamic dressing
• Grilled greens or roasted potatoes

Storage & Meal Prep Ideas

• Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
• If making forward, maintain the pesto separate and blend earlier than serving.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil earlier than serving if the pasta absorbs an excessive amount of pesto.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make this pasta salad forward of time?

Sure! You’ll be able to put together it as much as 24 hours upfront. For greatest outcomes, retailer the pesto individually and blend it in earlier than serving to maintain the salad contemporary.

Can I exploit a unique kind of pasta?

Sure, any quick pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowtie works effectively. Entire wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used.

Can I add different greens?

Positively! Cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado make nice additions.