Go Back
A vibrant bowl of healthy chicken pesto pasta salad with whole wheat rotini, cherry tomatoes, and cubed chicken.

Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup English cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water until completely cooled.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice until emulsified.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, cubed chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped spinach to the bowl.
  5. Toss all ingredients thoroughly until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the pesto mixture.
  6. Adjust seasoning with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to four hours.