Chicken Pasta Salad

Name: Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb rotini pasta; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup cucumber, quartered and sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup kalamata olives, halved; ¾ cup small mozzarella balls, halved; 1¼ cups Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought); Fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

December 4, 2025

Updated:

December 4, 2025

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This Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings together tender grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy mozzarella. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. The zesty homemade Italian dressing elevates the flavors, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish can be ready in under 40 minutes.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of grilled chicken and vibrant veggies provides a burst of taste in every bite.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this salad makes for a nutritious meal or side dish.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This Chicken Pasta Salad stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Chicken Pasta Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Grill pan or outdoor grill
Mixing bowl
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Necessary for boiling the rotini pasta until perfectly al dente.
Colander: Helps drain the pasta efficiently after cooking.
Grill pan or outdoor grill: Ideal for cooking the chicken breasts to achieve that smoky flavor.
Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all the ingredients with plenty of room to toss them together.

Ingredients

This vibrant chicken pasta salad combines tender grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing.

For the Pasta and Chicken

1 lb rotini pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Vegetables and Cheese

1 cup cucumber, quartered and sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup kalamata olives, halved
¾ cup small mozzarella balls, halved
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Dressing

1¼ cups Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Salt and pepper to taste
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp finely minced red bell pepper
1½ tsp dried minced onion
½ tsp dried basil
¾ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp black pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb of rotini pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain using a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season 1 lb of chicken breasts with 1 tsp Italian seasoning and 1 tbsp olive oil. Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through. Let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup cucumber (quartered and sliced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced), and ½ cup kalamata olives (halved).

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In another bowl, whisk together ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, and seasoning ingredients: 1 tbsp dried parsley, 1½ tsp dried minced onion, ½ tsp dried basil, ¾ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp garlic powder, salt (1 tsp), sugar (1 tsp), black pepper (½ tsp), and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rotini pasta with grilled chicken pieces. Add in prepared vegetables along with small mozzarella balls (¾ cup) and fresh parsley (¼ cup). Pour dressing over everything and toss gently until well coated.

Step 6: Serve

Taste your Chicken Pasta Salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor!

How to Serve Chicken Pasta Salad

Serving chicken pasta salad is easy and versatile, making it a great choice for any occasion. Whether as a light lunch, picnic dish, or a side at dinner, the colorful ingredients make it appealing.

As a Main Dish

Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.

At Picnics or BBQs

Pack in portable containers for an easy-to-transport option.
Add skewers with grilled veggies or chicken for extra fun.

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside grilled meats like steak or chicken for a balanced meal.
Great with roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.

In Meal Prep Containers

Divide into individual servings for easy lunches throughout the week.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to enjoy to maintain freshness.

How to Perfect Chicken Pasta Salad

Perfecting chicken pasta salad ensures great taste and texture. Here are some tips to enhance your dish:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables add crunch and flavor, making your salad vibrant and enjoyable.
Cook pasta al dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with dressing.
Let it chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge enhances flavors as they meld together.
Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or additional herbs as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Pasta Salad

Pairing side dishes with your chicken pasta salad can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery treat that complements the salad perfectly.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on a skewer bring vibrant flavors.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a nice crunch alongside the creamy salad.
Caesar Salad: A classic choice that adds crispness and tanginess to your meal.
Fruit Salad: Refreshing fruits provide sweetness and balance out savory flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies enhance your meal’s nutritional profile while adding depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chicken pasta salad can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls. Here are key mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can ruin the flavor. Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken.
Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked pasta becomes mushy. Cook it al dente for the perfect texture in your salad.
Skipping the seasoning: A bland salad is unappealing. Don’t forget to season your chicken and pasta with salt and pepper before mixing them with other ingredients.
Neglecting to chill: Serving chicken pasta salad warm can diminish its taste. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Not balancing flavors: A good salad needs a mix of flavors. Ensure you have a balance of creamy, tangy, and savory elements for a delightful dish.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover chicken pasta salad in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
Make sure it’s completely cooled down before sealing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing Chicken Pasta Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes upon thawing.
If you must freeze, consider only freezing the cooked chicken separately.
Use freezer-safe containers and label them with dates.

Reheating Chicken Pasta Salad

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the salad covered in foil for about 15 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I add to my Chicken Pasta Salad?

You can enhance the chicken pasta salad by adding ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, or even nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Can I make Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Is Chicken Pasta Salad healthy?

Yes! This dish is packed with protein from chicken and fiber from vegetables, making it a nutritious choice when prepared with wholesome ingredients.

How should I serve Chicken Pasta Salad?

Serve this vibrant dish chilled as a main course or side dish at picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings.

Can I customize the dressing for my Chicken Pasta Salad?

Definitely! Feel free to use different dressings like ranch or vinaigrette based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

This colorful chicken pasta salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests!