Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken Pasta Salad

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Chicken Pasta Salad

Introduction

Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish that works for almost any occasion. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, prepping meals for the week, bringing something to a picnic, or serving a crowd at a potluck, this recipe always fits the moment.

It combines juicy chicken, tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, zesty dressing that feels rich but still light and refreshing. Served chilled straight from the fridge, it’s colorful, comforting, and packed with bold, balanced flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • Cooked pasta (rotini, penne, fusilli, or bowtie)

  • Cooked chicken breast (grilled, roasted, pan-seared, or rotisserie)

  • Cherry tomatoes, halved

  • Cucumber, diced

  • Red onion, finely chopped

  • Bell pepper, diced

  • Sweet corn (optional, for extra crunch and sweetness)

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the Dressing

  • Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (or a mix of both)

  • Olive oil, a small drizzle

  • Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (for brightness)

  • Dijon mustard (1–2 teaspoons)

  • Garlic powder (½ teaspoon)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional spices: paprika or Italian herbs

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

  3. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking.

  4. Let the pasta cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  1. If using raw chicken, season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or Italian herbs.

  2. Cook in a little olive oil over medium heat until golden and fully cooked.

  3. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

  1. Dice cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion evenly.

  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes.

  3. Chop fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together:

    • Mayo or yogurt

    • Olive oil

    • Lemon juice (or vinegar)

    • Dijon mustard

    • Garlic powder

    • Salt and pepper

  2. Taste and adjust until creamy, tangy, and balanced.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

    • cooled pasta

    • chicken

    • chopped vegetables

  2. Pour dressing over the top.

  3. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Chill

  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

  2. This helps the flavors blend and makes the salad taste even better.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Stir gently before serving.

  2. Add extra herbs, a pinch of salt, or a squeeze of lemon if needed.

  3. Serve chilled or slightly cool.

Conclusion

This Chicken Pasta Salad is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again — easy, flexible, and always delicious. It’s creamy without being heavy, packed with fresh crunch, and perfect for everything from meal prep to summer gatherings.

Best of all, it’s highly customizable, so you can swap vegetables, use leftover chicken, or make it lighter with a yogurt-based dressing. One bowl, endless possibilities — and every bite is refreshing and satisfying.

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