Name: Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup pesto; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (2%); 1 Tbsp honey; 1 medium lemon, juiced; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 lb bowtie pasta, cooked in salted water; 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skin removed and chopped; 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup mini bocconcini, drained; 1 cup jarred artichoke hearts, drained and chopped; 3 handfuls arugula; Salt and pepper, optional, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a refreshing, satisfying meal that feels just as perfect on a sunny picnic table as it does packed for a weekday lunch, this Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is your new go-to recipe. It brings together juicy chicken, tender pasta, a medley of vibrant veggies, and a creamy homemade pesto dressing that will make every forkful utterly irresistible. Whether you need a make-ahead crowd-pleaser for gatherings or just want to upgrade your weeknight meal prep, this pasta salad stands out with its fantastic flavors and nourishing ingredients—all while keeping things delightfully simple.

Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad lies in the simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element adds its own character, from the zesty dressing to the crisp veggies and satisfying protein, making every bite a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Pesto: Choose a high-quality prepared pesto or use homemade for big, herbaceous flavor and a pop of green color.
Olive Oil: Gives the dressing a silky texture and deepens the richness of the salad.
Plain Greek Yogurt (2%): Adds creamy tang and keeps the dressing light and protein-rich.
Honey: Lends a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the savory notes of the pesto and lemon.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens up all the flavors and adds a welcome zing.
Italian Seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herb notes that tie the dish together.
Bowtie Pasta: Cooked just to al dente in salted water, these fun little pasta shapes hold onto the creamy dressing perfectly.
Cooked Rotisserie Chicken: Skin removed and chopped small, this is the protein powerhouse that makes the salad a complete meal.
Chickpeas: Drained, rinsed, and utterly satisfying, chickpeas add heartiness, creamy texture, and extra fiber.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color in every bite.
Mini Bocconcini: These bite-sized mozzarella balls add a soft, milky richness that contrasts the tangy dressing.
Jarred Artichoke Hearts: Drained, chopped, and briny, they add loads of Mediterranean flavor depth.
Arugula: Three generous handfuls bring this salad to life with peppery freshness and crisp green appeal.
Salt and Pepper (optional): Add to taste so all the flavors shine just the way you like them.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Dressing

Start off by grabbing a small mixing bowl and whisking together the pesto, olive oil, plain Greek yogurt, honey, fresh lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Make sure everything is blended well, giving you a smooth, creamy dressing. Don’t be afraid to taste and fine-tune—maybe you want a little extra pop of lemon or just a touch more honey. Once balanced, set this glorious green sauce aside. It’ll tie together all the flavors with a bright, luscious touch.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a gentle boil and toss in your bowtie pasta. Cook until just al dente, according to your pasta package directions—overcooked pasta won’t hold up in the salad as well. Drain, then rinse quickly under cool water to stop the cooking process and help the pasta chill out, literally. Let it drain thoroughly while you get the other ingredients ready.

Step 3: Chop and Prep Your Mix-Ins

Chop up your cooked rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop those briny artichoke hearts. If your bocconcini are a bit large, feel free to cut them in half for better distribution. Drain and rinse your chickpeas so they’re ready to slip right in. And don’t forget to give that arugula a quick wash and dry!

Step 4: Toss It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, chickpeas, tomatoes, bocconcini, artichoke hearts, and arugula. Drizzle the creamy pesto dressing right over the top, then gently toss everything until every piece is generously coated. If you’re prepping in advance, keep the arugula separate to maintain its peppery crunch until serving.

Step 5: Taste and Finish

Now for the fun part—taste your creation! Add salt and pepper as needed, giving a final toss so everything gets acquainted. Serve immediately for peak freshness, or let it chill in the fridge for an hour if you prefer it cold and even more flavor-blended.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Dress up your Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad with extra fresh basil leaves, an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning, a grating of Parmesan, or even a drizzle of olive oil. These simple finishing touches make it feel truly special whether you’re serving it to guests or treating yourself.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad pairs gorgeously with a loaf of crusty bread, simple garlic toast, or even a warm bowl of soup in cooler months. For something lighter on the side, a fresh fruit platter or crisp green salad will balance out the meal effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, try serving portions in lettuce cups for an extra bit of crunch and color. For gatherings, spoon the salad into individual mason jars or colorful bowls for easy portability and a fun, Instagram-worthy presentation. Or pile it high on a big platter with lemon wedges and extra herbs for true family-style comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftover Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad into an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, though adding the arugula just before serving keeps its texture at its best.

Freezing

While this pasta salad is best fresh, you can freeze it (minus the arugula and bocconcini) for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator, then fluff it up with fresh greens and cheese before serving.

Reheating

This dish is typically enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer it warmed slightly, you can microwave individual portions for 30–40 seconds, just enough to take off the chill without melting the cheese or wilting the greens.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad?

Absolutely, you can swap bowtie pasta for penne, rotini, or even whole wheat varieties if you like. The key is picking a shape with plenty of nooks to hold that luscious pesto dressing.

How can I make Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad vegetarian?

It’s an easy adjustment! Simply leave out the chicken and add extra chickpeas or try diced firm tofu for a protein punch, making this salad just as hearty and delicious.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your pesto to be sure it’s gluten-free. Everything else in this recipe is naturally gluten-free already.

Can I swap store-bought pesto for homemade?

You sure can! If you have a favorite homemade pesto recipe, use it here for a fresher, more personalized flavor. Store-bought works great for convenience and speed.

How long can I make Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad ahead of time?

This salad tastes best within the first 24 hours, but you can prepare it up to two days in advance. For ultimate freshness, stir in the arugula and bocconcini just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Don’t miss out on the magic of this Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad—it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again for breezy lunches, easy dinners, and potlucks alike. With its irresistible flavor and good-for-you ingredients, it’s destined for a regular spot in your recipe rotation. Try it once, and I can just about guarantee you’ll be hooked!

Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for lunches or light dinners. Packed with flavors and textures, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!

Instructions

Prepare dressing: Add all ingredients for creamy pesto dressing to a small bowl and whisk together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust if needed. Set aside.
Make salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for pasta salad. Pour dressing over the top and toss until well coated. Store arugula separately if making ahead for meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Mixing, Tossing
Cuisine: Italian