chicken pesto pasta salad

i love salads for dinner in the summer. they are quick, light and easy. although some people think that salads aren't hearty and you'll still be hungry afterwards. well not this one-plus they'll be more than enough for lunch the next day.

here's what you need:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lb of pasta ( i usually use curly pasta for salads but use whatever you have in the pantry.)
• 1 pint of grape tomatoes-sliced in halves
• 1 pint of boccochino (small fresh mozzerella balls)-sliced in halves
• 1/2 pesto (i used some leftover homemade-which is very easy to make but store bought is just as good)
• kosher salt
• cracked black pepper
• olive oil
• 1/2 c reserved pasta water

here's how you make it:

• cook the pasta according to the package directions. drain and set aside in large bowl.
• add grape tomatoes and boccochino.
• drizzle chicken breasts with a small amount of olive oil. season with salt and pepper on both sides.
• grill chicken breasts until cooked through (about 3-5 minutes each side). slice into strips and add to bowl
• add in pesto. stir all ingredients. add pasta water if needed to loosen up mixtures. season again with salt and pepper.