Chicken Pasta Salad
This Chicken Pasta Salad is your go-to for a light, flavorful, and satisfying meal that screams summer. Bursting with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a zesty yogurt-based dressing, it’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch. Whether you’re craving a Cold Chicken Pasta Salad or a vibrant Summer Pasta Salad, this recipe is versatile, easy to whip up, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Ideal for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, it’s a must-try for any food lover.
Ingredients
Base:
- 8 oz high-protein pasta chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup bell peppers any color, diced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup black olives sliced (optional)
Dressing & Boosters:
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese or shredded Parmesan
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp light mayo or hummus
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking.
- Prep the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, and thinly slice the red onion. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Use pre-cooked chicken or quickly grill, bake, or pan-sear chicken breasts. Dice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo or hummus, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, veggies, and feta or Parmesan. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature for a refreshing Summer Pasta Salad.
Notes
- Save time with rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips.
- Rinse pasta under cold water to keep it firm and prevent sogginess.
- For a creamier dressing, add an extra tablespoon of hummus or mayo.
- Boost protein with chickpeas, quinoa, or a sprinkle of nuts.
- Store in portioned containers for easy meal prep.