Spicy Jalapeño Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Spicy Jalapeño Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad, a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion! This delightful cold salad is packed with juicy chicken, al dente rotini pasta, and fresh vegetables, all tossed together with a fragrant pesto dressing. The smoky heat of jalapeños adds just the right kick without overwhelming the palate. Not only is this dish incredibly healthy, but it also takes under 10 minutes to prepare, making it the ideal choice for quick weeknight dinners or summer gatherings. Pair it with some crusty, cheesy garlic bread for a full meal experience that your guests will love!
6
Servings
140
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
rotini pasta
4 ounces (cooked, rinsed in cold water, and drained)
chicken breasts
2 (cooked and diced)
roma tomatoes
2 (chopped)
jalapeno
1-2 (seeded and minced)
red onion
1/4 cup (finely diced)
cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
pesto sauce
1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled rotini pasta, diced chicken breasts, chopped roma tomatoes, minced jalapeños, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
2
Add the pesto sauce to the mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well combined and coated.
3
For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. It's great either chilled or immediately after preparation.
4
Serve cold, preferably accompanied by crusty, cheesy garlic bread for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
6g
Carbs
12g
Protein
1g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Jalapeño Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing cold salad featuring juicy chicken, al dente rotini pasta, and fresh vegetables tossed in a fragrant pesto dressing with smoky jalapeño heat.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this pasta salad?
The preparation takes under 10 minutes.
What type of pasta is used in this salad?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of rotini pasta.
What protein is included in this dish?
The dish includes 2 cooked and diced chicken breasts.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 140 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 8g of fat.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 12g of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and fiber counts?
Each serving has 6g of carbohydrates and 1g of fiber.
How much sugar is in the salad?
The salad contains 0.5g of sugar per serving.
What kind of tomatoes should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped Roma tomatoes.
How many jalapeños are needed?
You will need 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe recommends 1/4 cup of finely diced red onion.
What fresh herb is added to the salad?
1/2 cup of chopped cilantro is added for freshness.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of either store-bought or homemade pesto sauce.
How should the rotini pasta be prepared?
The pasta should be cooked, rinsed in cold water, and drained before mixing.
Should the salad be served hot or cold?
This is a cold salad, though it can be eaten immediately after preparation.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
For the best flavor, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What is a recommended side dish for this meal?
It pairs perfectly with crusty, cheesy garlic bread.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, the description notes it is incredibly healthy and nutrient-dense.
Is this a good dish for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal choice for summer gatherings and BBQ side dishes.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
What provides the heat in this recipe?
The heat comes from minced jalapeños.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be cooked and diced before being added to the bowl.
Is the jalapeño heat overwhelming?
The recipe describes it as a smoky heat that adds a kick without overwhelming the palate.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include chicken salad, pasta salad, jalapeño, pesto, healthy recipes, quick meals, and BBQ side dish.
Can this be used as a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it takes under 10 minutes to prepare, it is ideal for busy weeknights.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the cooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
How is the pesto integrated?
Add the pesto sauce to the mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
What is the prep for the red onion?
The red onion should be finely diced.