Description
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish combining tender chicken breast, plant-based cheese, smoky turkey bacon, and a colorful mix of crunchy vegetables all coated in a lively natural pesto sauce. Perfectly balanced with protein and fiber, this easy-to-prepare salad is ideal for lunch, dinner, or picnics and can be customized with different veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1/2 cup natural pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup red bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Pan-sear them in a little olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Rest briefly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Crisp the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Using the same pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Chop into small pieces.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice cucumbers and red bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and tear basil leaves to release their aroma.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced chicken, bacon, vegetables, and shredded plant-based cheese. Drizzle with pesto sauce (natural) and olive oil, then gently toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Prep pasta and chicken a day ahead to save time.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for more vibrant flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste and texture.
- Toss salad gently to avoid soggy pasta and crushed vegetables.
- Include crunchy veggies and crispy bacon for texture balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pesto chicken pasta salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, pasta salad, healthy salad, quick dinner, picnic salad
