Description
A vibrant and fresh Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad combining tender grilled chicken, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a herby basil pesto (natural). Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for quick meals, picnics, or crowd-pleasing gatherings, balancing lean protein, fresh vegetables, and complex carbs in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
- 1 grilled chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices smoky turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, cubed or shredded
Pesto Dressing
- 1/3 cup fresh basil pesto (natural) made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook and Cool the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles firm but chilled for the salad.
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Grill the chicken breast until juicy and cooked through, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Cook the smoky turkey bacon until crispy, then crumble or chop it for the salad.
- Chop the Fresh Veggies and Cheese: Slice cherry tomatoes in halves, dice cucumbers, finely chop red onion, and cube or shred the plant-based cheese for creamy notes throughout the salad.
- Mix the Pesto Dressing: In a bowl, combine fresh basil pesto (natural) with lemon juice (natural), salt, and pepper. Stir gently to blend a fresh, herbal dressing for the pasta salad.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, vegetables, plant-based cheese, and pesto dressing until everything is evenly coated and vibrant.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld perfectly before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Use freshly made basil pesto (natural) for brighter, more aromatic flavors.
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente for the best texture.
- Chilling before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Toast pine nuts briefly for deeper nuttiness before adding to pesto or salad.
- If the salad feels dry, add a splash of grape juice to boost moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pesto chicken pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, quick pasta salad, grilled chicken salad, turkey bacon salad
