Pesto Perfect Chicken Orzo Pasta Salad

Pesto Perfect Easy Recipes with Basil Pesto for Pasta Salad

By Chloe PatelSeptember 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of sunshine? Ever wondered what the best way to use that jar of pesto you bought? Well, get ready because this Chicken & Orzo Pasta Salad is loaded with incredible flavor! It is so delicious, you may think you're in Italy.

Brief Overview

This vibrant pasta salad is basically summer in a bowl. Inspired by the classic Italian "pasta fredda," the addition of chicken makes it a satisfying meal.

It's an easy recipe, taking only about 50 minutes from start to finish, and yields 6 generous servings.

Main Benefits

This recipe is a delicious and healthy way to get your protein and carbs. It's perfect for a picnic or BBQ.

Seriously, what makes this recipe so special is the combination of the bright basil pesto , juicy chicken, and creamy mozzarella so yummy!

Why I Love This Recipe: My Pesto Obsession

Honestly, I’m obsessed with homemade pesto . It's so much better than the stuff from the shop. I remember one time I tried to make easy basil pesto but I added way too much garlic! My family could smell my breath across the dinner table.

Even though it was a big mistake, I learned a valuable lesson: moderation is key!. Let me share my chicken pesto pasta salad recipe .

Pesto Perfection: What's in it?

Okay, before we dive in, let's talk ingredients. This is a simple basil pesto recipe for a healthy basil pesto recipe .

For the pesto, you'll need fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Then, for the salad: orzo pasta, chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls and Italian seasoning.

Orzo pasta salad with pesto is the best kind!

More Than Just a Salad: The Magic of Basil Pesto

This isn’t just another salad; it's a flavorful explosion. The star of the show is definitely the basil pesto . So, if you're looking for Basil Pesto Dinner Recipes that will impress your friends and family, this is it! Trust me, it's a winner.

You should add to your collection of Summer pasta salad recipes and Italian pasta salad recipes .

Time to Get Cooking

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let's make some magic! You're going to love this pesto mozzarella salad .

Ingredients & Equipment: Pesto Perfect!

Alright, mates, let's talk grub! We are diving into making my Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad . I'll break down exactly what you need.

Don't worry if you are not a top chef. I promise, even I can do it.

Main Ingredients: The Backbone of Recipes With Basil Pesto

This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe serves 6.

For the Pesto:

Fresh basil leaves: 2 cups (approx. 60g). The brighter the green, the better!
Pine nuts: 1/4 cup (35g). These need to be fresh and not rancid.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (30g), grated. Real Parmesan, not that powdery stuff!
Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup (60ml). Go for good quality for that flavour.
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml).
Salt and pepper: To taste.

For the Pasta Salad:

Orzo pasta: 1 pound (450g).
Chicken breasts: 1.5 pounds (680g), boneless, skinless.
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon .
Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint (2 cups/280g), halved.
Mozzarella pearls: 8 ounces (225g), drained.
Sun-dried tomatoes (optional): 1/4 cup (40g), chopped.

Seasoning Notes: Easy Basil Pesto Magic

Garlic and pine nuts are crucial for authentic pesto. I love a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives it a kick! Lemon juice brightens it all up.

For a dairy-free Healthy Basil Pesto Recipe , swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast. Don't have pine nuts? Walnuts or almonds work too.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

Food processor: For the pesto. It's easier than a mortar and pestle, honest.
Large pot: To cook the pasta.
Colander: For draining.
Grill or frying pan: For the chicken.
Large bowl: To mix everything together.

Honestly, this Simple Basil Pesto Recipe is all about fresh ingredients and good vibes. No fancy gear needed! So, grab your apron, crank up some tunes, and let's get cooking some Italian pasta salad recipes and some Summer pasta salad recipes .

Who knew that the answer to Basil Pesto Dinner Recipes can be so simple? I've always loved Homemade Pesto so here we are.

Cooking Method: Pesto Perfecting

Right then, let's talk about making the best Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad you've ever tasted. Honestly, it all hinges on nailing that pesto.

Forget the jarred stuff; we're going Homemade Pesto . Trust me, it's way easier than you think, and the flavor is just chef's kiss .

It's just perfect for basil pesto dinner recipes that are quick to make.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Mate

First, gather your bits. For the pesto , you'll need 2 cups of fresh basil (packed!), 1/4 cup of pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, 1/4 cup of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

For the salad, get 1 pound of orzo, 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and some Italian seasoning.

Time saving tip? Get the water on for the pasta first.

Safety wise, be careful when using the food processor for pesto.

step-by-step Process: Pesto, Pasta, and Poultry

Whizz Up the Pesto: In a food processor, blitz basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan until finely chopped. Drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Season.
Cook the Orzo: Cook your 1 pound orzo until al dente , about 8- 10 minutes . Rinse with cold water and drain.
Chicken Time: Grill or pan-fry your 1.5 pounds chicken breasts with oil and Italian seasoning. Cook to 165° F ( 74° C) . Let it rest, then slice.
Salad Assembly: Combine cooked orzo, chicken, halved tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls in a large bowl.
Pesto Power: Add about 1/2 cup of pesto and toss. Add more to taste.

Pro Tips: Elevating Your Salad

Want to level up your Simple Basil Pesto Recipe ? Blanch your basil for a brighter green! Just drop it in boiling water for a sec, then into ice water.

This also helps to keep your healthy basil pesto recipe vibrant. Don't overcook the orzo; al dente is key for good summer pasta salad recipes .

If you are making a Italian pasta salad recipes make sure to season generously. A common mistake is under seasoning, so taste as you go! If you want to meal prep, make the pesto ahead and freeze it in ice cube trays.

Also, this chicken pesto pasta salad recipe can be stored for up to 3 days.

You know, sometimes I add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavour, it's fab in a pesto mozzarella salad or I make a Orzo pasta salad with pesto .

Honestly, this recipe is so versatile, you can chuck in whatever veggies you fancy! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Nailing That Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Alright, so you're about to dive into this Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad recipe . Ace! But before you do, let's chat about some little tweaks and bits to make sure it’s absolutely banging.

Trust me, these little tips can turn a good dish into a "where did you get this basil pesto dinner recipes " masterpiece.

Serving Suggestions: Show It Off, Mate!

Presentation is key, right? Plating up is where the magic happens. For this salad, think vibrant colours. Pile it high in a nice bowl, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top.

A few fresh basil leaves? Bang on!

As for sides, keep it simple. Crusty bread for mopping up that Homemade Pesto is always a winner. And to drink? A crisp, cold glass of Pinot Grigio is perfect for a summer pasta salad recipes .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

You've made a massive batch of this Italian pasta salad recipes ? No worries! For refrigeration, keep it in an airtight container and it'll last for about 3 days.

Freezing isn't the best option for this salad. The mozzarella and pesto can get a bit weird, you know? But if you absolutely have to, freeze the Easy Basil Pesto separately.

Reheating? Best enjoyed cold or at room temp, like a proper Pesto mozzarella salad .

Variations: Make it Your Own, Inn’it?

Dietary needs? No sweat! For a dairy-free version, swap out the Parmesan in your Simple Basil Pesto Recipe for nutritional yeast. Honestly, it's a game changer.

Seasonally, you can play around with this recipe. In autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash. It's fit. If you're doing a healthy basil pesto recipe , consider wholewheat orzo.

Nutrition Basics: Good for You, Good for the Soul

This Orzo pasta salad with pesto is a decent meal, but it is an estimate. We are estimating around 550 calories per serving.

Loads of protein (around 40g), which is great! You also have healthy fats and some carbs from the pasta (around 40g).

Remember the numbers can vary. You can also see it as a chicken pesto pasta salad recipe .

Honestly, this recipe is pretty straightforward. It's meant to be fun! Don't worry too much about perfection, just get in there and enjoy the process.

You'll end up with a dish that’s proper lush. Go for it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad ahead of time? I'm a bit of a Delia Smith when it comes to pre-planning!

Absolutely! This salad is actually better when made ahead of time, as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just toss it all together, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight.

You might want to add a touch more pesto just before serving, as the pasta tends to soak it up.

What's the best way to store leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad? Does it freeze well?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Freezing isn't ideal, as the mozzarella and pesto can change texture and become a bit watery when thawed. If you do freeze it, be prepared for a slightly different consistency.

I'm allergic to pine nuts. Are there any good substitutes I can use in my recipes with basil pesto?

No worries, mate! Pine nuts can be a bit pricey anyway. Walnuts or almonds are excellent substitutes in basil pesto. Toasting them lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the food processor really brings out their flavour and adds a nice depth to the pesto.

How can I prevent my basil pesto from turning brown? It always seems to happen to me!

Browning is a common pesto problem! A couple of tricks can help. First, blanch your basil leaves in boiling water for just a few seconds, then shock them in ice water before processing. This helps retain their vibrant green colour.

Second, a little lemon juice in the pesto acts as an antioxidant and slows down the browning process. You can also drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto when storing it.

I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any lighter variations I can make to this Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad recipe?

Definitely! You can use whole wheat orzo for added fibre. Also, consider using less pesto or substituting some of the olive oil with a bit of water when making the pesto itself. Grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying it will also cut down on the fat content.

Adding more veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, can also increase the nutritional value and make it a more balanced meal.

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe with basil pesto?

You absolutely can! While homemade pesto is delicious, store-bought pesto is a great shortcut when you're short on time. Just be sure to choose a good quality brand that uses fresh ingredients. Taste it before adding it to the salad, and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.