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Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad cover
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Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients

0 allergens identified

Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad

Instructions

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Instructions

1
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Cook your pasta in salted water according to package directions to al dente. When the pasta is finished, drain it and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
2
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While the pasta is cooking you can toast your pine nuts. To toast them, place them in a small dry skillet in an even layer. Heat them over medium low heat, stirring occasionally for about 3-5 minutes or until they are a nice golden brown. Be careful they burn easily. Set the toasted pine nuts aside to cool
3
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Place the cooked and drained pasta in a large bowl add in the chicken, then add in the cut tomatoes, chopped cucumber and diced onions. Stir gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
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Roughly chop or tear the spinach and arugula, add it in and stir to distribute.
5
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Next add in the pesto and the sun dried tomatoes. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the pesto.
6
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Now add in the shredded parmesan cheese, mozzarella pearls, and toasted pine nuts. Stir to evenly distribute.
7
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8
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Garnish with additional shredded parmesan and toasted pine nuts if desired.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Toast Pine Nuts Separately 🌰
    Lightly toast pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes just before serving to amplify their buttery flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy in the dressing.
  • Salt Pasta Water Generously 🧂
    Use salted pasta water (like seawater) for cooking rotini to build flavor into the pasta itself, reducing the need for excess seasoning later.
  • Chill Pesto Before Mixing 🌿
    Keep pesto cold and add it to the cooled pasta last, folding gently to prevent the basil from bruising and losing its vibrant green color and fresh aroma.
  • Pound Chicken Evenly 🍗
    Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness before cooking to ensure even, fast cooking and prevent dry edges while keeping the center juicy.
  • Reserve Pasta Water for Consistency 💧
    Save a cup of starchy pasta water to adjust the salad's moisture just before serving—it helps the pesto coat everything evenly and prevents drying out during storage.
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