Pesto Archives - College Food Literacy

Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad

Name: Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad (Non-Vegetarian)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli); 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and sliced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup black olives, sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

Katie Kraus — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 16:53:11 +0000

There are few dishes that can rival the versatility and deliciousness of a well-crafted pasta salad. This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad recipe is a true masterpiece, bringing together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a vibrant basil pesto dressing. This dish is not just a salad; it’s a symphony of flavors that hits all the right notes. Join us on this culinary journey as we explore the art of creating a salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply a delightful dinner.

Cost

Ingredients	Amount	AP Cost	Recipe Cost
Cooked Pasta (e.g. penne or fusilli)	2 C	$1.00/package	$0.50
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast	1	$3.50/lb	$1.50
Cherry Tomatoes, halved	1/2 C	$2.50/package	$0.75
Black Olives	1/2 C	$1.50/can	$0.50
Red Onion, thinly-sliced	1/4 C	$1.00/each	$0.25
Grated Parmesan Cheese	2 T	$3.00/container	$0.25
Balsamic Vinegar	2 T	$3.00/bottle	$0.25
Salt and Pepper	to taste	–	–
Total			$4.50
Cost Per Serving			$1.13

Step-By-Step

Combine the Ingredients:

Time to bring all the elements together for this summer party on a plate. Toss the cooked pasta, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onion into one big, colorful bowl. It’s like a canvas of flavors waiting to be brought to life.

Add Pesto and Dressing:

Now, it’s time to introduce the real stars of the show – the pesto and balsamic vinegar. This is where the magic happens. Spooning that pesto sauce over the salad is like adding a burst of vibrant green to your artwork. And the balsamic vinegar? It’s the extra punch that takes the flavor profile to a whole new level. Toss it all together and mix thoroughly.

Season and Garnish:

Adjust seasonings to find that perfect balance. Now, for the grand finale, sprinkle that grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Chill and Serve:

Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is when the ingredients get to know each other better and create a flavorful synergy that’s a true taste explosion.

Print Recipe

Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad (Non-Vegetarian)

Cuisine:Italian Courses:Lunch, Dinner

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 15 minutesRest time: 5 minutesTotal time: 30 minutesServings:4 servings Best Season:Summer

Description

A delightful medley of tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant garden-fresh ingredients, all harmoniously tossed in a luscious basil pesto dressing. This salad is a burst of flavor and textures, perfect for a quick lunch or a delightful side dish for your summer gatherings.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onion.
Spoon the pesto sauce and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Toss to evenly coat the ingredients.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Keywords:Chicken, Pasta, Pesto, Vegetables

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