Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

The vibrant medley of juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and tender chunks of chicken tossed in a zesty dairy-free pesto makes this pasta salad a true summertime staple. It’s light, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal time in the kitchen—perfect for warm weather and laid-back gatherings.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, meal prepping for the week, or packing a picnic lunch, this Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad hits the mark. Plus, it’s fully gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary preferences or allergies without compromising on taste or texture.

Full Recipe:

• 12 oz cooked gluten-free farfalle pasta (e.g., brown rice pasta)

• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup fresh chopped basil leaves

• 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced into ½-inch cubes

• 1 cup dairy-free pesto

• Juice of 1 lemon

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dairy-free pesto, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

3. Pour the pesto mixture over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: ~395 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Ultimate Summer Dish: Dairy-Free Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Pasta salad has long been a beloved staple of warm-weather dining. Whether it’s served at a barbecue, packed into a picnic basket, or enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner, pasta salad offers a refreshing and satisfying combination of flavor and ease. One particularly delicious variation is the Dairy-Free Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad, which combines fresh herbs, lean protein, and gluten-free pasta for a healthy, mouthwatering twist on the traditional version.

This dish delivers all the comfort of a classic pasta salad with a modern, health-conscious update. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and filled with clean, simple ingredients that won’t weigh you down — perfect for sunny days and outdoor meals.

Why Choose Dairy-Free Pesto Pasta Salad?

Choosing a dairy-free pesto pasta salad isn’t just about dietary needs — it’s about flavor and freshness. While traditional pesto includes parmesan cheese, removing dairy makes the sauce lighter, brighter, and better suited for those with lactose intolerance or sensitivities. By skipping the cheese and leaning into fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, this version brings out a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that’s every bit as satisfying as the original.

The pasta serves as a hearty base that soaks up the pesto dressing, while tender chunks of cooked chicken add protein to keep you full longer. Tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil, this salad becomes a symphony of taste and texture. It’s a one-bowl wonder that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Nutritional Benefits of This Pasta Salad

This pasta salad checks multiple boxes when it comes to nutritional value. It’s:

• High in protein from the chicken, which helps with muscle repair and satiety.

• Packed with fiber if you use a brown rice or legume-based gluten-free pasta, which supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.

• Loaded with antioxidants thanks to fresh basil and tomatoes. Basil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health.

• Healthy fats come from the olive oil and pine nuts (if used in the pesto), providing essential fatty acids and helping with vitamin absorption.

Even without dairy, this pasta salad still delivers on creaminess and flavor, thanks to the emulsion of olive oil, lemon, and blended herbs in the pesto. It’s proof that you can create indulgent-tasting food without compromising health.

A Perfect Make-Ahead Meal

One of the best things about this salad is its versatility and convenience. It’s a dream for meal prep. In fact, the flavor gets even better after a few hours in the fridge as the pesto continues to infuse into the pasta and chicken.

Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for lunch or as a side dish for dinner. It holds up beautifully for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and doesn’t require reheating, making it an ideal grab-and-go option.

It also transports well, making it a fantastic option for potlucks, picnics, pool parties, or even camping trips. Serve it chilled or at room temperature — it’s designed to be flexible and still taste amazing.

Customizable to Fit Any Diet

Another reason this recipe has become a summer favorite is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re accommodating allergies, lifestyle choices, or personal preferences, it adapts without losing its charm.

• Vegetarian? Just leave out the chicken and toss in roasted chickpeas, marinated tofu, or white beans for protein.

• Vegan? Make sure your pesto is vegan by avoiding cheese altogether, and skip the chicken.

• Low-carb? Replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini or a chickpea pasta option.

• Extra crunch? Toss in toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or even chopped celery.

You can even swap in other veggies like roasted red peppers, baby spinach, or artichoke hearts depending on what’s in season or available in your fridge.

Choosing the Right Pesto

The quality of pesto you use can make a big difference in this dish. While store-bought dairy-free pesto is widely available, especially at natural food stores or online, making your own at home ensures total control over the flavor and ingredients. Homemade pesto also allows you to tweak components based on availability and taste — subbing in arugula for basil, almonds for pine nuts, or adding a touch of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor minus the dairy.

Whether store-bought or homemade, make sure your pesto is bright green, smooth (but not watery), and has a good balance of acidity from lemon or vinegar to keep the pasta salad lively and fresh-tasting.

Ideal Serving Suggestions

Dairy-Free Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is substantial enough to serve as a main course but also works beautifully as a side. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your summer spread:

• As a main dish with a crisp green salad and fresh fruit

• Alongside grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or kabobs

• With crusty gluten-free bread or garlic flatbread for a picnic lunch

• Topped with microgreens or sprouts for extra freshness and visual appeal

For presentation, serve it in a wide, shallow bowl and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil. If you’re entertaining, consider placing it in individual mason jars or bento boxes for a portable and eco-friendly meal.

Storage Tips and Safety

Since this salad is best served chilled, always keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. If you’re bringing it outdoors, use a cooler with ice packs to keep it safe from bacterial growth. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Stir before serving to redistribute any separated dressing or moisture.

To ensure the longest shelf life and best flavor, try not to overdress the salad if you plan to store it for several days. You can always reserve a bit of pesto and mix it in just before serving to refresh the flavor and texture.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

With so many pasta salad recipes available, what makes this one special? It’s the balance of:

• Convenience (no cooking required if using pre-cooked chicken)

• Flavor depth from the pesto and herbs

• Nutritional value with protein, fiber, and healthy fats

• Allergen-friendly options that cater to gluten-free and dairy-free eaters

• Customizability to suit nearly any diet or taste preference

Plus, it looks beautiful — colorful cherry tomatoes, fresh green basil, golden olive oil — making it as photogenic as it is delicious.

Conclusion

Dairy-Free Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of summer in every bite. With its fresh ingredients, nutrient-packed components, and bold flavors, it proves that simple meals can still feel special. This salad brings together everything we love about seasonal eating: ease, versatility, healthfulness, and, of course, incredible flavor.

Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or preparing a feast for family and friends, this pasta salad is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and effortlessly elegant — the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your summer rotation.