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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Creamy, herby, and made for sharing.

Published Jan 3, 2026

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45 MINS

MODERATE

SERVES 8

About the Recipe

This creamy chicken pesto pasta salad is a guaranteed hit at barbecues, picnics and long lunches. It has all the richness people want from a pesto pasta, balanced with Greek yoghurt, lemon and plenty of fresh basil so it never feels heavy.


It travels well, holds its texture, and actually improves after a little time in the fridge, which makes it ideal for entertaining. Substantial enough to serve as a main, but just as happy playing a supporting role alongside grilled meats, seafood or vegetarian dishes.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

by Samantha Tulett | City Slicker

COOK TIME

20 MINS

TOTAL TIME

45 MINS

COURSE

SIDES

SERVES

8

PREP TIME

25 MINS

INGREDIENTS

Pesto Dressing


2 cups basil leaves 


¼ cup pine nuts 


2 garlic cloves, peeled 


½ tsp salt 


¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper 


¼ cup grated Parmesan 


⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil 


2 Tbsp lemon juice 


¾ cup Greek yoghurt


Pasta Salad


340 g fusilli pasta 


450 g chicken breast, trimmed 


¼ tsp salt 


¼ tsp black pepper 


¼ tsp garlic powder 


¼ tsp onion powder 


½ Tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 


½ cup sun-dried tomato strips 


2 cups baby spinach 


¼ cup pine nuts, toasted 


¼ cup shaved Parmesan

METHOD

1.

Add the basil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add the Parmesan and pulse briefly to combine. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth but still slightly textured. Blend in the lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

2.

Transfer the pesto to a large bowl and whisk through the Greek yoghurt until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate.

3.

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until the pasta is just warm. Shake off excess water, transfer to a large salad bowl, and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil.

4.

While the pasta is still slightly warm, toss through about half of the creamy pesto dressing. Cover and refrigerate until completely cooled.

5.

To butterfly the chicken breast, place it flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part, stopping just before cutting all the way through. Open it out like a book so the chicken is an even thickness throughout. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.

6.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towel. Drizzle over the olive oil and rub into both sides. Season evenly with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

7.

Heat a medium non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 7 to 8 minutes per side, or until just cooked through. Add a little extra olive oil if needed. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes, then thinly slice.

8.

While the chicken rests, heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast for a couple of minutes until golden. Transfer to a bowl.

9.

Remove the pasta from the fridge. Add the sliced chicken and sun-dried tomatoes and toss gently. Fold through the spinach, then add the remaining pesto dressing gradually until everything is evenly coated.

10.

Finish with the toasted pine nuts and shaved Parmesan. Taste and adjust with extra lemon juice, olive oil, salt, or pepper if needed. Chill for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.

Tips

Salt your pasta water generously. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself and it makes a noticeable difference.


Dress the pasta while it is still slightly warm. This helps it absorb the pesto and keeps the salad flavourful, even once chilled.


Butterflying the chicken matters. An even thickness means juicier chicken and no dry edges. Alternatively, you can hammer the breast flat if you prefer.


Add the spinach last. Folding it through at the end keeps it fresh and vibrant rather than wilted.


Adjust just before serving. A squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil can bring everything back to life after chilling.


Make it ahead. This salad keeps beautifully for up to two days in the fridge, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Nutritional Information

Serves 8. Approx per serve:

Calories: 430 | Fat: 21G | Carbs: 37G | Protein: 24G | Fiber: 3G | Sodium: 0.52G | Sugars: 3G

Recipe Notes

All recipes are written using metric and Celsius measurements. Unless otherwise stated:

  • Eggs are large, free-range.

  • Oven setting is fan-forced.

  • Spoon and cup measures are level.

  • Butter is unsalted.

  • Salt is fine sea salt.

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