Pasta salad with chicken is a versatile and satisfying dish that works well for lunch, dinner, or as a side at any gathering. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. This dish combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and colorful veggies, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, making it a complete meal in one bowl.
To start, cook your favorite type of pasta—penne, rotini, or farfalle work wonderfully for this salad. Once the pasta is cooked and cooled, set it aside. Next, prepare the chicken. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken breasts, seasoned with salt, pepper, and any other herbs you prefer, like garlic or thyme. Once cooked through, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Now, it’s time to add some veggies for crunch and color. Chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, and red onions all add a refreshing contrast to the creamy dressing. You can also throw in some olives or sweet corn if you like. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley work great for a touch of brightness.
For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or sour cream with a bit of Dijon mustard and lemon juice for tang. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and add a drizzle of olive oil to make the dressing silky and smooth. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the mayo and use a vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
Once everything is prepared, toss the cooked pasta, chicken, and veggies together in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and mix well to coat all the ingredients. For a bit of extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese on top.
Pasta salad with chicken is a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. It’s easy to make, filling, and fully customizable based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and please your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 100 g pasta use your favorite type
- 150 g chicken breast grilled and sliced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 cucumber diced
- 50 g cherry tomatoes halved
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Grill the chicken breast until fully cooked and slice into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled chicken, chopped bell pepper, diced cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add your favorite dressing, toss gently to combine, and serve chilled.
Nutrition
Didn’t like this at all. The chicken was too dry. Maybe I cooked it wrong? But I won’t be trying this again.
Yummy! Quick and easy recipe. My kids loved it, especially with dressing. Will be making it again!
It was okay, but kinda bland. I think I needed more spices. Not sure if I’ll make it again.
This pasta salad is amazing! I added some feta cheese and it took it to the next level. Definitely a 5 from me!
Need more ingredients, felt empty on my plate. Not many veggies. 🙁
This pasta salad is absolutely delicious! I tried it with balsamic dressing and it was a hit at the picnic!
I dont think its right to call this cooking. Just chopping and mixing! But still tasty!
Easy peasy lemon squeezy! I love how quick it is to make. 🙂
Noodles and chicken? Sounds like a boring meal to me. Where’s the flavor?
I understand where you’re coming from! But with a good dressing and some spices, it can be super flavorful. Maybe give it a try?
Boring? Nah, you just gotta spice it up! Add some chili flakes or a zesty dressing, and it’s a game changer!
So easy and fast! Perfect for lunch!
Easy recipe, made it for lunch today! Yummy 😋
This pasta salad was a hit at my family gathering! Everyone loved it!
That’s awesome to hear! I love when recipes bring people together. What dressing did you use?
My kids gobbled it up! Just a little bit of ranch dressing made it perfect.
I dont think grilled chicken goes with pasta, seems odd to me.
I tried it but it was kinda bland. Maybe more seasoning next time?
I get what you mean! Adding some herbs or a vinaigrette could really amp up the flavor. I usually toss in some Italian seasoning or balsamic dressing.
I think this would be better if it had some herbs. Maybe basil?
I added some olives and feta cheese. Yum! Thanks for sharing!
This pasta salad is to die for! I added some olives and it was perfect! 😍
How can you call it a salad with no dressing? Confused. Did I miss something?
Honestly, this was the blandest thing I’ve ever made. Need more flavor!!
Maybe you just didn’t add enough dressing or spices? It’s kinda plain if you don’t mix it up a bit. Just saying.
I think it’s all about the dressing! You could try adding some herbs, spices, or even a bit of garlic for extra flavor. Don’t give up on it just yet!
I added some olives and feta cheese. It was sooo good! Worth a five-star rating!
This is wrong! You should not cook chicken like that, it won’t be safe.
Crispy cucumbers are the best! I just wish it had more chicken. 😅
I totally get it! Crispy cucumbers are amazing, but chicken adds that extra goodness! Maybe try adding more next time? 😋
My kids love this! They even ate the veggies 😉
That’s awesome! Kids eating veggies is a win! 🎉
I don’t like bell peppers. Can I use something else? Like, lettuce maybe? 🤔
You can definitely swap out bell peppers! Lettuce will work, though it might change the texture. Maybe try adding some carrots or celery for crunch instead?
Just use what you like! Lettuce is a weird choice tho… it ain’t gonna taste the same, maybe try zuchini or something instead?
This is way too much work!! Just cook chicken and eat! Who has time for this? 😩
I get it, but this recipe is pretty easy! Plus, think of all the fresh veggies. 😄
Nah, it’s just chicken and some pasta, not so hard. You can do it in 30 mins! 🤷♂️
I just chopped everything and threw it together. Tasted fine, but I’m no chef!
Really good. Had this for lunch and it was light yet filling! Will make again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s my go-to for quick lunches too. 😊
Kinda bland honestly, needs more spices or something. 🤷♂️
Simple and easy! My kids love it! I used spaghetti instead of normal pasta. 🍝
Spaghetti? Isn’t that kinda weird for a salad? 🤔 But if your kids like it, who am I to judge!
That’s great to hear! Spaghetti sounds like a fun twist. My kids love it too! What dressing did you use?