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Bowl of Cold Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad with greens and cherry tomatoes for a Healthy Cold Meal Prep Lunch.

Cold Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad For Healthy Meal Prep Lunches


  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad combining tender chicken, whole grain pasta, vibrant greens, and basil pesto for easy, make-ahead lunches.


Ingredients

  • whole grain rotini pasta (3 cups uncooked)
  • cooked chicken breast, sliced (2 medium breasts)
  • basil pesto (1/2 cup)
  • cherry tomatoes, halved (1 1/2 cups)
  • baby spinach or mixed greens (2 cups)
  • crumbled feta cheese (1/4 cup, optional)
  • kalamata olives, sliced (1/4 cup, optional)
  • lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • olive oil (1-2 teaspoons, optional)

  • Instructions

    1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

    2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then grill or pan-sear 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through; let rest and slice.

    3. Halve cherry tomatoes, chop greens, and prepare optional add-ins like feta and olives.

    4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chicken, vegetables, and pesto; add lemon juice and olive oil if needed, then gently toss to coat.

    5. Divide into airtight containers and refrigerate up to 4 days; add extra greens or cheese before serving for freshness.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: salad
    • Method: mixing
    • Cuisine: mediterranean

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 420
    • Fat: 16
    • Carbohydrates: 38
    • Fiber: 5
    • Protein: 32

    Keywords: cold pesto chicken pasta salad, healthy pasta salad with greens, cold chicken meal prep, lunch pasta salad healthy, easy meal prep lunches to work healthy, mediterranean pesto pasta, healthy cold meal prep lunch, cold lunch healthy