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!
I’m not usually a pasta salad person, but the chicken + cucumber combo is surprisingly good. Next time I’ll add a little feta.
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!
This pasta salad is okay, but it needs more flavor. I added some garlic and lemon, and it helped a lot.
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!
Really good! Perfect for summer. I just wish it had more dressing options.
So easy and fast! Perfect for lunch!
Made this last night—so fresh and filling. I used rotini and a lemon-garlic dressing, and it tasted like a deli salad. Will definitely repeat.
Easy recipe, made it for lunch today! Yummy 😋
This was super easy and delicious! I added some olives too. Yum!
Sounds amazing! I love adding olives to salads. It makes everything better! 😍
Pasta, chicken, veggie mixed up was nice! Thnk u for the easy recipe. 🙂
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?
Love how simple it is. Only question: how long do you grill the chicken? Mine was done fast but I wasn’t sure.
My kids gobbled it up! Just a little bit of ranch dressing made it perfect.