Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe | Easy, Healthy, and Delicious

Pasta salad with chicken is a classic dish that balances flavor, texture, and nutrition perfectly. It combines tender pasta, juicy pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy or tangy dressing into a meal that is satisfying, versatile, and easy to prepare. It works as a main course, a side dish, or a picnic favorite, making it one of the most adaptable recipes in any kitchen.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the variety of flavors that can be introduced with different dressings, herbs, and add-ins. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a family-friendly dinner, or a dish to impress at gatherings, pasta salad with chicken delivers on all fronts.

Ingredients Needed

Below is a comprehensive list of ingredients required to make a classic pasta salad with chicken, along with their estimated calorie counts. The calorie values are approximate and can vary depending on the brand or portion size used.

Ingredient	Quantity	Approximate Calories
Pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)	2 cups (uncooked)	400
Cooked chicken breast	2 cups (cubed)	330
Cherry tomatoes	1 cup	30
Cucumber	1 cup (diced)	16
Bell peppers	1 cup (diced)	25
Red onion	1/4 cup (thinly sliced)	15
Black olives	1/4 cup	60
Feta cheese	1/2 cup	200
Italian dressing	1/2 cup	300
Fresh parsley	2 tbsp (chopped)	5
Salt	To taste	0
Black pepper	To taste	0

These ingredients can be easily found at local grocery stores and can be substituted to match personal preferences. Using fresh vegetables enhances the flavor and keeps the dish crisp and colorful, while the chicken adds protein and richness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and pour in the pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, following package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps it from becoming mushy in the salad.
2. Prepare the chicken
   If you are starting with raw chicken breasts, season them lightly with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before dicing it into bite-sized cubes.
3. Chop vegetables
   While the pasta and chicken are cooking, dice the cucumber, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and chop fresh parsley. Keeping the vegetables fresh and uniform in size ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
4. Combine ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and chopped vegetables. Add black olives and crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Add dressing
   Pour your preferred Italian dressing over the salad. Start with half of the dressing and mix thoroughly. Taste and add more if necessary. The dressing should coat all ingredients lightly without making the salad soggy.
6. Chill and serve
   Refrigerate the salad for at least thirty minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, giving the salad a richer taste. Serve cold for the best texture and freshness.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Customizing pasta salad with chicken is simple and allows you to create a dish that fits your taste perfectly. Adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus can introduce a smoky flavor, while sun-dried tomatoes provide a tangy depth. Switching out Italian dressing for a creamy yogurt-based dressing or a pesto sauce can completely change the flavor profile. For added crunch, toss in toasted nuts or seeds. Using different pasta shapes such as fusilli or farfalle can enhance the visual appeal and texture. Fresh herbs like basil, dill, or cilantro can bring brightness and a new layer of flavor. Spices like paprika, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes can add subtle heat and depth. Finally, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time while still keeping the salad rich in protein.

Nutritional Information

Pasta salad with chicken is balanced in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome meal. The pasta provides energy-sustaining carbs, the chicken adds lean protein, and the vegetables supply vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Feta cheese contributes calcium and a creamy texture, while the dressing adds flavor and fat for satiety. A single serving of this salad, assuming it makes four servings, contains approximately 345 calories. Protein content is around 23 grams per serving, carbohydrates roughly 35 grams, and fat about 14 grams. Sodium levels can vary based on the amount of cheese and dressing used, so adjusting these can make it lighter. Overall, this salad offers a nutritious combination that fuels the body without feeling heavy.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta salad with chicken can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve it as a light lunch alongside fresh bread or crackers for a balanced meal. It pairs well with grilled vegetables or a simple green salad for dinner. For picnics and potlucks, pack it in airtight containers with an extra drizzle of dressing for freshness. This salad is also excellent as a side dish to barbecued meats or roasted fish. Garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can elevate the presentation. For a more filling option, adding a boiled egg or avocado slices can increase protein and healthy fats. It is versatile enough to be served cold, at room temperature, or even slightly warmed if preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pasta salad with chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for the best results.

Which type of pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta are ideal because their shapes hold dressing and ingredients well. You can experiment with other shapes based on personal preference.

Is it possible to make this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure the dressing does not contain any gluten-based ingredients. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly. It saves time and still provides excellent flavor and protein.

What is the best dressing for pasta salad with chicken?
Italian dressing is classic, but creamy ranch, Caesar, or pesto dressings work just as well. Choosing a dressing depends on the flavor profile you prefer.

Conclusion

Pasta salad with chicken is a versatile, flavorful, and nutritious dish that fits any occasion. Its combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich dressing creates a satisfying balance of taste and texture. Customizing it with different herbs, vegetables, or dressings allows for endless variations. Preparing it ahead of time makes it convenient for busy days, gatherings, or meal prep.