Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Smoked Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad with Arugula & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Searching for an effortlessly delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this incredible Smoked Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad with Arugula and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This isn’t just any pasta salad; it’s a vibrant symphony of flavors and textures, combining the deep, savory notes of smoked chicken, the bright, peppery kick of fresh arugula, and the aromatic richness of creamy pesto. It’s a dish that consistently steals the show, leaving bowls sparkling clean every time. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a robust lunch, or a crowd-pleasing side dish for your next gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its simplicity and irresistible taste.
Why This Smoked Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is Your New Favorite
Pasta salads are a beloved staple for a reason: they’re versatile, often quick to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. This particular Smoked Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad takes those qualities to the next level. It’s a meal that truly delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. We especially love making this recipe when time is short but the craving for something genuinely tasty is strong. Its adaptability means it fits seamlessly into any meal plan – serve it as a hearty main course, an exciting side at your summer BBQ, or a delightful lunch that will make your coworkers envious.
A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
What makes this pesto pasta salad so utterly irresistible? It’s all about the interplay of its star ingredients, meticulously chosen to create a balanced and exciting taste experience:
- Smoked Chicken: The star of the show, offering a unique depth and savory richness that elevates the entire dish. Its distinctive smoky notes provide a fantastic contrast to the brighter, fresher elements, making every bite intriguing.
- Peppery Arugula: This delicate yet potent leafy green doesn’t just add a splash of vibrant color; its characteristic peppery bite introduces a refreshing zing and a touch of sophistication. It acts as a palate cleanser, cutting through the richness and adding essential freshness.
- Creamy Pesto: The heart of the salad’s flavor, this vibrant, herbaceous green pesto acts as the creamy binder. Infusing every piece of pasta with the fresh aromas of basil, pungent garlic, nutty pine nuts, and salty Parmesan cheese, it’s the unifying force that brings all the components together in a harmonious and luscious blend.
- Sweet Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These intensely flavored, chewy gems are concentrated bursts of sweet and tangy goodness. They provide a wonderful counterpoint to the savory chicken and earthy pesto, adding a welcome layer of complexity.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: For that perfect finish, a generous sprinkle of toasted pine nuts introduces a delicate crunch and a subtle, buttery flavor that complements the pesto and adds textural interest to the salad.
This thoughtful combination ensures every forkful is packed with layers of taste, making it a truly memorable dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a recipe that has earned its place as a consistent favorite in our kitchen and will surely become one in yours too, proving that quick meals can still be incredibly gourmet!
Make It Your Own: Variations and Serving Suggestions
One of the best aspects of this smoked chicken pasta salad is its incredible versatility. While the core recipe is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking or to use whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. Pasta salads are inherently forgiving, allowing for creative substitutions and additions that can transform the dish while maintaining its delicious essence. Here are some ideas to inspire you and make this recipe truly your own:
Customizing Your Pesto Pasta Salad
- Protein Power: If smoked chicken isn’t available, or if you prefer a different flavor, feel free to swap it out. Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even pan-seared shrimp would be excellent substitutes, each adding its own unique character. For a delightful vegetarian or vegan option, consider adding canned chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even pan-fried tofu cubes for extra protein and texture.
- Veggie Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and add more crunch and color with additional vegetables. Halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion for a zesty kick, diced bell peppers (any color), briny Kalamata olives, or even blanched broccoli florets or asparagus spears can be stirred in for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Cheese Please: A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a tangy contrast, small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for creaminess, or delicate shavings of Parmesan can add another layer of deliciousness and a rich, salty touch.
- Pesto Play: While classic green basil pesto is undeniably delicious, feel free to experiment with other types. Sun-dried tomato pesto would offer a sweeter, tangier profile, while a roasted red pepper pesto could add a smoky, vibrant twist. Homemade pesto, of course, is always a winner if you have the time!
- Pasta Perfection: Beyond fusilli, which is great for catching the sauce, consider using other short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), orecchiette (little ears), or rotini. The key is to choose a shape that can hold onto the pesto and other ingredients well, ensuring every forkful is perfectly balanced.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Occasions
This smoked chicken pesto pasta salad is substantial enough to be a stand-alone meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights. However, it also shines brightly when thoughtfully paired with other dishes, enhancing any dining experience:
- BBQ Companion: It’s a fantastic and refreshing addition to any BBQ spread, offering a cooler, more vibrant contrast to grilled meats like burgers, sausages, or ribs.
- Light Lunch: For a complete and satisfying midday meal, serve it alongside a crisp, fresh green salad, like this strawberry arugula and pistachio salad, and a slice of warm, crusty bread, such as homemade ciabatta, perfect for soaking up any leftover pesto.
- Dinner Delight: For a more elaborate dinner, this pasta salad pairs wonderfully with simple grilled fish (like salmon or cod), a light soup, or even a robust roasted vegetable medley.
- Picnic and Potluck Essential: Its ability to be made ahead of time and served chilled makes it an ideal candidate for picnics, potlucks, family gatherings, or any event where you need a reliable and delicious dish that travels well.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this pasta salad offers incredible flavor, convenience, and a touch of culinary flair. It’s a versatile dish that adapts to your needs and preferences, promising a delightful experience every time!
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Need more inspiration?
- You can find video recipes and cooking tips on my YouTube channel.
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📖 Recipe: Smoked Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
15 minutes
10 minutes
25 minutes
Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Italian
4
persons
566
kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
-
10
sun-dried tomatoes -
½
pound
smoked chicken -
1
pound
pasta -
4
tablespoons
pine nuts -
4
tablespoons
green pesto -
3
oz.
arugula
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
US Customary
Instructions
-
1. Prepare the Main Ingredients: Start by carefully cutting the smoked chicken into small, bite-sized cubes. If your smoked chicken is from a larger piece, ensure it’s fully cooked before dicing. Next, drain your sun-dried tomatoes (if packed in oil) and chop them into similar small cubes, ensuring they can be evenly distributed throughout the pasta salad for a delightful burst of sweet-tart flavor in every bite.10 sun-dried tomatoes,
½ pound smoked chicken -
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (fusilli works wonderfully, or any other short, hearty pasta) and cook it strictly al dente according to the package directions. It’s crucial not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften slightly as it cools and absorbs the dressing. Al dente pasta holds its shape better in salads and provides a more pleasant chew.1 pound pasta -
3. Toast the Pine Nuts: While the pasta cooks, heat a dry skillet (no oil needed) over medium-low heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them, stirring frequently to ensure even browning, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and release their fragrant, buttery aroma. This step is essential for enhancing their flavor and adding a delightful crunch. Be careful not to burn them, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly! Remove them from the skillet immediately once golden to stop the cooking process.4 tablespoons pine nuts -
4. Dress the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, drain it thoroughly in a colander. While it’s still warm (this helps the pesto adhere better and infuse its flavors), transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the generous portion of green pesto and stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of pasta is beautifully coated in the fragrant, creamy sauce.4 tablespoons green pesto -
5. Combine Ingredients: Now, add the cubed smoked chicken and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto-coated pasta. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the salad. At this point, you can cover the salad and refrigerate it if you plan to serve it later, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. -
6. Add Freshness (Just Before Serving): Just before you’re ready to serve, gently fold the fresh arugula into the pasta salad. Adding it at the last minute is a crucial step that ensures the arugula remains beautifully crisp and vibrant, preventing it from wilting and maintaining its distinctive peppery flavor and appealing green color.3 oz. arugula -
7. Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts evenly over the top of the pasta salad. This adds a fantastic final touch of texture and nutty flavor, completing the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful Smoked Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad – it’s sure to be a hit!
Notes & Pro Tips
2. Choosing Your Pasta: The best pasta for salads holds its shape well and has plenty of nooks and crannies to capture the delicious pesto dressing. Beyond the recommended fusilli, excellent choices include farfalle (bow-tie pasta), penne, rotini, or orecchiette (little ears). Always cook your pasta strictly al dente – firm to the bite – to ensure it doesn’t get mushy when chilled and mixed into the salad.
3. Storage & Meal Prep:
- Refrigerator: This smoked chicken pesto pasta salad stores wonderfully! Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s an excellent make-ahead option as the flavors often deepen and meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste. For best results and optimal freshness, add any additional fresh arugula and toasted pine nuts just before serving any refrigerated portions.
- Freezer: Freezing pasta salads can unfortunately alter the texture of the pasta and fresh vegetables, making them softer upon thawing. While not ideal for serving as a fresh salad after being frozen, if you do find yourself with leftovers you wish to freeze (without arugula and pine nuts, which should always be added fresh), it can be repurposed. Thaw the frozen pasta salad completely in the refrigerator. Then, quickly fry it in a frying pan with a little olive oil until heated through and slightly caramelized. Stir in some fresh Parmesan cheese and a splash of chicken broth or white wine, and you’ll have a surprisingly delicious and comforting “fried pasta” dinner!
- Make Ahead Tip for Freshness: For optimal meal prep, prepare the pasta, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto. Mix these components and store them in individual airtight containers. Keep the fresh arugula and toasted pine nuts separate, adding them fresh to each serving only when you are ready to eat, ensuring maximum crispness and flavor.
Nutrition
Calories:
566
kcal
Carbohydrates:
91
g
Protein:
18
g
Fat:
15
g
Saturated Fat:
2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
2
g
Cholesterol:
1
mg
Sodium:
160
mg
Fiber:
5
g
Sugar:
6
g
Vitamin A:
858
IU
Vitamin C:
5
mg
Iron:
3
mg
smoked chicken pesto pasta salad, easy pasta salad, weeknight meal, summer recipe, arugula pasta, sun-dried tomatoes
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More Delicious Salad Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease, versatility, and vibrant flavor of this pesto pasta salad, you’ll be thrilled to discover more exciting salad creations from my kitchen. Salads don’t have to be boring or just a side dish; they can be vibrant, hearty, and full of character, just like this smoked chicken recipe. Whether you’re in the mood for fruity freshness, a comforting and robust potato salad, or a gourmet green salad with unique ingredients, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
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