Description
Savor the mouthwatering Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad, featuring velvety Greek yogurt dressing, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables. Ideal for a quick dinner or a healthy meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz short gluten-free or regular pasta of choice, bowtie, penne
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered or halved
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls or chopped fresh mozzarella balls
- 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach or arugula, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup plain full-fat greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayo, avocado oil mayo recommended
- 3 teaspoons dash pasta blend garlic pesto seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Handful of baby spinach
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, fresh basil, lemon juice, Parmesan, mayo, seasoning blend, garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and fresh spinach. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, chicken, tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella, and greens.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to enjoy. For meal prep, portion into 4 meal prep containers.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the pasta type based on preference or dietary needs.
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in pesto before cooking.
This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a refreshing meal later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
