• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Kara J Miller

  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Chicken
    • Salad
    • Breakfast
    • Snacks
    • Main Dishes
      • Pasta
      • Soups
      • Beef
      • Fish
      • Pork
    • Beverages
    • Breads
    • Side Dishes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Desserts
      • Cookies
      • Cakes
  • Travel
  • Entertainment
  • Family
  • Fitness
  • About
    • Work with Me
    • Privacy Policy
Home » Chicken

Pesto Pasta Chicken Salad

Created On: September 9, 2012  |  Updated: September 9, 2012  |   Leave a comment

  • Share
  • Tweet

My aunt and uncle came up to visit us a few weekends ago, it was such a fun time! We went to the Boardwalk & walked along the wharf. Aunt Lizzie with Lola & I:

On their way up, I texted and asked if they wanted to grab lunch somewhere when they arrived. My uncle responded with, “What, you don’t have a gourmet meal waiting for us?” I knew he was kidding, but then realized that I had this awesome pasta salad sitting in the fridge! So we had a good laugh and ate it when they got here.

This salad tastes wonderful warmed up, or cold straight out of the fridge. I love a versatile dish!

As I was slicing the mozzarella, Ada walked up behind me and said, “Oooooohhhhhh! CHEESE! That’s good for me, right?” Right, little one. You are so completely right :)

Pesto Pasta Chicken Salad Recipe

adapted from Real Simple

1 lb. whole wheat penne pasta

4  boneless, skinless chicken thighs (3/4 pound)

1  tablespoon  olive oil

kosher salt and black pepper

1/2  cup  chopped pitted kalamata olives

1  cup  halved bocconcini (small mozzarella balls)

3/4  cup  walnut pesto

Walnut Pesto Recipe:

1 cup walnuts

1 garlic clove

1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Salt to taste

2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh basil leaves

Toss walnuts, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, cheese, and basil into food processor. Pulse while adding olive oil in a stream.

Once desired consistency is achieved, taste and add salt if needed.

Pasta Salad Directions:

Cook  pasta until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain and return to pot to let cool.

Heat oven to 400° F. Rub the chicken with the oil and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Place on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes; shred. (You could sub any chicken

here. I took the time to cook the thighs and could taste a difference; my husband said he thought he was eating a

rotisserie chicken the whole time! So I’ll be saving myself the work and using easier chicken from now on).

Toss the pasta, shredded chicken, olives, and bocconcini with the pesto and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Top with seasonings to taste and freshly grated parmesan. Enjoy!

  • Share
  • Tweet

posted in: Chicken, Main Dishes, Pasta, Salad

Previous
Nutella Banana Shake
Next
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Reader Interactions

Leave A Reply! Cancel reply

Share your thoughts!
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Kara - Author of Kara J Miller.

Welcome, I'm Kara!

A California Mom Blogger who wants to help you feel positive and fulfilled in your life. I share tried and true food recipes, tips for family travel, and deals on the latest things that I love. It’s simple, I like to eat and laugh!

More About Me

Subscribe To The Newsletter

Get new updates, entertainment, recipes, trips + more!

Categories

Featured Articles

  • Honey Lime Enchiladas
  • Apricot Chicken
  • Family walking in Paris
    Travel to Paris with Children
  • Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
  • Howard Johnson Anaheim Disneyland Hotel
  • Caramelita Cookie Bars

The Latest From

  • Breakfast food. Food
  • Beautiful cliff overlooking ocean. Travel
  • woman and girls hiking Fitness
  • Kara and family standing in kitchen. Family
  • Happy child on bridge pinting. Entertainment
  • Kara standing in front of wall "Your Body Is a Wonderland". Instagram

Subscribe To The Newsletter

Get new updates, entertainment, recipes, trips + more!

©2023, Kara J Miller. All Rights Reserved. About Privacy Policy
Design by Pixel Me Designs
×

Subscribe To The Newsletter

Get new updates, entertainment, recipes, trips + more!