Pasta salad with chicken: amazing 15 minute recipe

You are going to love this refreshing and filling meal. I first made this pasta salad with chicken for a family picnic and it quickly became a requested favorite. It combines tender protein and al dente pasta with a vibrant dressing that ties everything together. Whether you need a quick lunch or a side dish for a gathering this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity. You can prepare it in about 25 minutes which makes it perfect for busy weekdays.

Why You Will Love This Pasta Salad with Chicken

I am telling you this dish is a total lifesaver. I love how it feels light but still fills me up. It is my go to when I want something healthy but do not want to spend hours in the kitchen. You really cannot mess this up and that is the best part.

• It is perfect for meal prep because it stays fresh in the fridge for days.
• You can customize the vegetables based on what you have in your kitchen.
• The chicken provides a lean source of protein to keep you satisfied.
• It uses simple pantry staples that you likely already own.

Ingredients for Your Pasta Salad with Chicken

Grab these items from your pantry and fridge. I like to use fresh veggies for that extra crunch. Remember we are using lemon juice instead of wine vinegar to keep things bright and fresh.

• 16 oz Rotini or Penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cucumber diced
• 1/2 red onion finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell peppers sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese which is optional but highly recommended
• For the dressing 1/2 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1 teaspoon dried oregano and salt and pepper to taste

Selecting the Best Pasta Shape

I always tell my friends to choose pasta with ridges or curves like rotini or fusilli. These shapes are excellent at trapping the dressing and small bits of ingredients. This ensures every bite of your pasta salad with chicken is packed with flavor instead of the dressing just sliding off to the bottom of the bowl.

Preparing the Chicken

You can use grilled chicken breast for a smoky flavor or boiled chicken for a softer texture. If you are in a hurry like I usually am just use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply remove the skin and bones then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. It saves so much time and tastes delicious.

How to Make Pasta Salad with Chicken Step-by-Step

Total Time 25 minutes | Prep Time 15 minutes | Cook Time 10 minutes

• Step 1 Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
• Step 2 Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from getting mushy.
• Step 3 In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice and oregano and salt and pepper.
• Step 4 In a large mixing bowl combine the cooled pasta and chicken and tomatoes and cucumber and onion and peppers and olives.
• Step 5 Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
• Step 6 Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Whisking the Dressing

Make sure to whisk the oil and lemon juice vigorously. You want the dressing to look creamy and unified. If you prefer a bit of sweetness you can add a teaspoon of honey to the mix. It really balances out the tartness of the lemon.

Expert Tips for the Best Pasta Salad with Chicken

I have made this so many times and I have learned a few tricks along the way. These will help you get the perfect texture every single time.

• Do not overcook the pasta. It should have a slight bite to it so it does not fall apart when tossed.
• Rinse the pasta thoroughly. Rinsing removes excess starch which prevents the noodles from sticking together in a big clump.
• Season the chicken well. Even if the dressing is flavorful seasoning the chicken separately with salt and pepper improves the overall dish.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving for a burst of color and aroma.

Variations of Pasta Salad with Chicken

You can easily change the flavor profile of this dish. For a creamy version replace the oil-based dressing with a mixture of Greek yogurt and herbs. If you want more crunch add toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds. For a heartier meal add chickpeas or black beans for extra fiber. I sometimes use beef strips instead of chicken if I have leftovers from dinner the night before.

Serving and Storage for Pasta Salad with Chicken

Serve this dish chilled or at room temperature. If you are taking it to a potluck keep it in a cooler with ice packs so it stays fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta seems dry the next day simply toss it with an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of broth to wake it up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Salad with Chicken

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. In fact the flavors often improve after sitting for a few hours. Just give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What can I use instead of chicken?

If you do not have chicken you can use canned tuna or even sliced beef strips. For a vegetarian option extra chickpeas or cubes of firm tofu work well too.

Why is my pasta salad bland?

Pasta absorbs salt and flavor as it sits. You may need to add a little more salt or lemon juice right before serving to wake up the flavors and make them pop again.

Nutritional Information for Pasta Salad with Chicken

Here is the estimated data per serving so you know exactly what you are eating.

• Calories 420 kcal
• Protein 28g
• Carbohydrates 45g
• Fat 14g
• Fiber 4g
• Sugar 3g

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