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pesto chicken pasta salad

This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is an easy, flavorful dish perfect for any summer gathering or quick weeknight meal. Featuring tender chicken, rotini pasta, fresh veggies, and a vibrant pesto sauce, it's packed with flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and diced)
  • 1 package colored rotini pasta (12 oz package)
  • 1 head broccoli (chopped into florets)
  • 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 5 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
  • 6 tablespoons pesto
  • 12 black olives (pitted)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. During the last 4 minutes of cooking time, add in the broccoli to the pot. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. To the bowl with pasta and broccoli, add the diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, pitted black olives, pesto, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Cover the bowl and store the pesto chicken pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Notes

This pasta salad is highly versatile! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onion. You can also use grilled chicken for an even smokier flavor. Adjust pesto, salt, and pepper to your taste.