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A simple, quick but delicious salad featuring chicken, feta and rocket (arugula) in a creamy pesto sauce.

Try this fresh twist on a classic pasta salad. This delicious Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad recipe combines the nutty flavour of toasted pine nuts, the freshness of rocket (arugula) or baby spinach leaves, the tanginess of feta, and the richness of creamy pesto dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a summer picnic, and it makes the perfect barbecue side dish. And the best part? Once your pasta and chicken are cooked (and you can do that in advance), it’s ready to enjoy in less than 10 minutes!

Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Can you make Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad as per the recipe up to 24 hours before consuming, but leave the rocket (arugula) and basil leaves to the side. Toss them through just before serving.

Is Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad suitable for leftovers?

Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad is best eaten immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.

Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

Author: Nicole
5 from 2 votes
“So delicious! Absolutely recommend making this one for lunches; it’s fresh and easy to incorporate some shredded chicken.”
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This delicious Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad recipe combines the nutty flavour of toasted pine nuts, the freshness of rocket (arugula), the tanginess of feta, and the richness of creamy pesto. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a summer picnic, and it makes the perfect barbecue side dish.
Prep 10 minutes
Total 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 90 g (2½ cups) rocket (arugula) or baby spinach leaves
  • 200 g (7 oz) cooked pasta of choice
  • 150 g (1 cup) halved grape (baby roma/plum) tomatoes
  • 160 g (5½ oz) shredded poached or roasted chicken
  • 35 g (¼ cup) crumbled feta
  • 15 g (½ cup) basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp toasted pinenuts
  • 25 g (¼ cup) freshly grated parmesan
Dressing
  • 2 heaped tbsp pesto
  • 2 heaped tbsp plain Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tsp water

Instructions

  • Combine the salad ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients.
  • Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients.
  • Serve – Drizzle dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine.

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad
Amount per Serving
Calories
438
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
18
g
28
%
Saturated Fat
 
6
g
38
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Cholesterol
 
131
mg
44
%
Sodium
 
1184
mg
51
%
Potassium
 
796
mg
23
%
Carbohydrates
 
37
g
12
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
29
g
58
%
Calcium
 
376
mg
38
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutritional information on this site is calculated using Foodworks Professional, the nutrition analysis software trusted by dietitians, researchers and food manufacturers across Australia and New Zealand. Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Recipe notes

MAKE AHEAD

Prepare the salad as per the recipe up to 24 hours before consuming, but leave the rocket (arugula) and basil leaves to the side. Toss them through just before serving.

LEFTOVERS

This is best eaten immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course lunch, pasta salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian