Description
A zesty, herb-packed pasta salad featuring fresh basil pesto, whole wheat pasta, juicy veggies, and tender grilled chicken. Creamy, crunchy, and bursting with summer flavors, this light yet protein-rich dish is perfect for warm-weather meals or effortless meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb whole wheat rotini/fusilli pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. With motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking process.
- Grill chicken: Heat grill pan, cook chicken breasts 6-7 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F. Slice into cubes.
- Assemble salad: Toss cooled pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion in large bowl until combined. Add pesto and gently toss to coat.
- Add finishing touches: Fold in optional feta and garnish with fresh basil. Chill for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute pine nuts with walnuts if preferred.
- Double dressings for leftovers – pesto freezes well.
- For gluten-free: use certified GF pasta and check pesto ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pesto pasta, summer salad, healthy protein, whole grain, grilled chicken, vegetarian option