Description
This pistachio pesto pasta salad is layered with flavor – featuring gluten-free pasta, shredded chicken, savory salami and pepperoni, crisp vegetables, and a fresh pistachio basil pesto. A hearty crowd-pleaser or make-ahead lunch option.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Salad
- 1 box of gluten-free (or regular) pasta of choice : fusilli, farfalle, rotini, or penne
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, sliced into quarters
- 1/2 cup salami, sliced into quarters
- 1 small can black olives, drained and sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
For the Pistachio Pesto
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup basil olive oil (sub with regular extra virgin olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons garlic oil (sub with regular extra virgin olive oil + 1 – 2 cloves of fresh garlic)
- 1/2 cup roasted and salted shelled pistachios
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
For the Shredded Chicken
- 5 – 6 chicken tenderloins (or 2 – 3 chicken breasts, sliced into 3 pieces each)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta : Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the box. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the Pesto : In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, olive oil, garlic cloves (if using), pistachios, and sea salt. Blend until just combined – using the pulse setting can help you control the texture. Taste and add more olive oil if needed.
- Prepare the Chicken : Bring a medium pot of water to a boil (you can also reuse the same pot you cooked the pasta in to save on cleanup). Add the chicken tenderloins and cook for 17 minutes. Remove from the water and shred while still warm using a hand mixer, stand mixer with paddle attachment, two forks, or a sharp knife.
- Chop the Veggies : While the pasta and chicken are cooling, slice the pepperoni, salami, olives, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion.
- Toss Everything Together : In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, prepared pesto, and all chopped ingredients. Toss well to coat. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving – this salad only gets better as the flavors meld together!
Equipment
10-Piece Glass Nesting Bowl Set
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Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender, 64 oz.
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- Use prepped chicken from your weekly meal prep (cooled and diced) to save time, or store-bought rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Omit salami/pepperoni to make it vegetarian.
- Stir in mozzarella pearls, parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Allow salad to chill for 1+ hours for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salads, Bowls, Pasta
- Method: Boil, No-Bake Assembly
- Cuisine: Amerian, Italian-Inspired
