Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy or vinaigrette dressing it serves 4 takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and is perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe:
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different dressings, proteins, or vegetables.
- Flavorful: A perfect balance of creamy dressing, tender chicken, and crunchy veggies.
❓ What Is Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe?
Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is a quick and versatile dish made with pasta, shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. It’s perfect for casual meals, outdoor gatherings, or as a make-ahead lunch option.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bow-tie)
- 1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- ¼ cup toasted nuts (walnuts or almonds)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
🍝 Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Top with fresh parsley or basil and toasted nuts. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like rotini or penne hold the dressing well and are ideal for this recipe.
- Add Protein Variations: Swap chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
- Include More Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
- Make Ahead: Chicken Pasta Salad tastes better after chilling, so prepare it a few hours in advance.
🍞 What To Serve With Chicken Pasta Salad?
Serve Chicken Pasta Salad with crusty bread, a side of soup, or a fresh fruit platter it pairs well with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing meal.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Chicken Pasta Salad?
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Pasta Salad?
In The Microwave: Reheat leftover chicken pasta salad in the microwave for 1–2 minutes if you prefer it warm. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time. Preparing it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious when served.
What is the best type of pasta for Chicken Pasta Salad?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bow-tie is best for Chicken Pasta Salad. These shapes hold the dressing well and mix easily with other ingredients for a balanced bite.
Can I use canned chicken in Chicken Pasta Salad?
Yes, canned chicken can be used in Chicken Pasta Salad. Be sure to drain and shred it before mixing it with the other ingredients for the best texture and flavor.
How do I prevent Chicken Pasta Salad from drying out?
To prevent Chicken Pasta Salad from drying out, mix it with extra dressing before serving. Store leftover dressing separately and add it just before eating to keep the pasta moist.
How long does it take to make Chicken Pasta Salad?
Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking the pasta, shredding the chicken, chopping vegetables, and mixing the dressing.
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Chicken Pasta Salad Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serve
- Calories: 342
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Description
Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy or vinaigrette dressing it serves 4 takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and is perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Top with fresh parsley or basil and toasted nuts. Serve chilled or at room temperature
Notes
- Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like rotini or penne hold the dressing well and are ideal for this recipe.
Add Protein Variations: Swap chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
Include More Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
Make Ahead: Chicken Pasta Salad tastes better after chilling, so prepare it a few hours in advance.