Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Why you'll love this pesto pasta salad:

This is a fool proof recipe. Basically, all you have to do is combine the ingredients.

We're cutting corners with store bought pesto. You can even use store bought rotisserie chicken for this salad.

This is the perfect recipe to bring to any get together.

It's loaded with protein, healthy fats and carbs to keep you feeling full and satiated.

Ingredients:

• dried fusilli pasta
• shredded chicken - I used my own shredded chicken recipe, but you can also shred or cut rotisserie chicken.
• arugula
• cherry tomatoes, cut in fourths
• red onion, diced
• kalamata olives, chopped
• parmesan cheese, shaved, shredded or grated
• pine nuts
• pesto - I used store bought pesto, but you can also make your own. Try this recipe out!
• reserved starchy pasta water 
• fresh lemon juice
• garlic powder
• salt and pepper

A complete list of ingredients, amounts and instructions is located on the recipe card below.

How to make Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad:

This is an overview of the recipe with photos. Complete instructions are located on the recipe card below.

Boil the pasta according to the package's instructions.

Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cold water.

Reserve 1 tablespoon of the starchy pasta water. 

Add the rinsed pasta to a bowl with all of the other ingredients.

Pour the pesto mixture over the top, combine and enjoy!

Recipe pro tips:

Store bought pesto is typically darker in color compared to freshly made pesto. The color will be more vibrant if you use fresh pesto.

If you let the salad sit in the fridge, the pasta will soak up the pesto mixture. Add a little extra pesto and mix before serving.

Change up the ingredients!

• Use sundried tomatoes in place of cherry tomatoes.
• Use spinach instead of arugula.
• Swap out pine nuts for pistachios.
• Get creative!

Storage Instructions:

Store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.