This delightful Chicken Pasta Salad is an excellent choice for a speedy supper or a charming addition to any outing. It showcases chicken, veggies, and a tasty homemade dressing that enhances this pasta dish.
If you’re looking for more cold pasta recipes, you might want to experiment with our multicolored pasta salad and basil pasta salad.
#feast-advanced-jump-to{z-index:999;border:none;opacity:.97;background:#FCFCFC;border-left:4px solid #CCC;padding:5px 0 10px 20px;margin-bottom:57px}#feast-advanced-jump-to summary,#feast-advanced-jump-to ul{margin-left:0;min-height:50px}#feast-advanced-jump-to li{list-style-type:none}#feast-advanced-jump-to li a{text-decoration:none}
Recipe Particulars
This Chicken Pasta Salad is a revitalizing meal for sunny days. When enjoyed chilled, it provides a burst of exquisite tastes and is effortless to prepare. It’s an excellent option to present on a scorching summer day for get-togethers with pals and relatives.
- FLAVOR: The fusion of tasty chicken, sweet tomatoes, and sharp onions paired with a zesty homemade dressing creates a pleasurable flavor combination.
- CONSISTENCY: Indulge in the crunchy veggies, succulent chicken, and flawlessly cooked al dente pasta in this delightful salad.
- TIME: Ready in just 17 minutes.
- SIMPLICITY: Swift and simple to put together, making it perfect for weekday dinners, a light lunch, or open-air picnics.
Essentials
Ingredient Remarks
- Pasta- Tri-colored rotini pasta is utilized, but any small pasta will suffice.
- Poulet- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Seasonings- Olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Veggies- Grape tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
- For the dressing- Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, water, lemon juice, Italian spices, and salt.
Extras and Alternatives
- Include cheese- Elevate this Chicken Pasta Salad with grated or cubed cheese such as cheddar, pepper jack, blue cheese, or feta.
- Swap other vegetables- Experiment with vegetables like green beans, olives, bell peppers, banana peppers, or grated carrots for a distinct touch.
- Try a different dressing- Sample variations like Greek Salad Dressing, Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, or Simple Cilantro Lime Dressing for a different taste profile.
- Alternate the chicken- Mix things up by utilizing fish, shrimp, beef, or tofu as a protein substitute.
Creating Chicken Pasta Salad
- Prepare and flavor the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts into thin slices, season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken. Saute the chicken in a large skillet with olive oil until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part.
- Allow the chicken to rest. Let the chicken sit covered for 5-10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized portions.
Pro Tip:Â If opting for frozen chicken, consider utilizing an Instant Pot for a speedier cooking process!
- Cook the pasta. Follow the packet guidelines to prepare the rotini. Post-cooking, strain and rinse with cold water to avert overcooking.
- Arrange the veggies. Dice the grape tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Cube the avocado. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and veggies in a spacious bowl.
- Whip up the dressing. In a generous measuring glass, blend together olive oil, vinegar, honey, lemon juice, water, Italian spices, and salt.
- Spruce up the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the chicken pasta salad and mix to coat. Serve chilled.
Valuable Hints for the Recipe
- Avoid cooking the pasta for too long- Prepare the pasta al dente and rinse with cold water after draining to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with other components.
- Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked- Utilize a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature is at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Consistent sizes- Keep the chicken and veggies in equivalent sizes for a harmonious salad experience.
- Extra sauce- Create extra dressing to keep for later use. It can be stored in a closed container in the fridge for up to a week.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
– **Is it preferable to prepare pasta salad the night before?**
Certainly, yes! This pasta salad tastes even better on the following day as the pasta and chicken absorb more of the dressing and flavor. Therefore, making it ahead of time is not only convenient but also delicious.
– **Should you rinse off the pasta for pasta salad?**
For a chilled dish like pasta salad, rinsing the pasta is advised. This halts the cooking process and cools the noodles before incorporating the other ingredients. The only time you should avoid rinsing pasta is for a hot dish.
**Serving Suggestions**
This Chicken Pasta Salad can be consumed as is for any meal. However, if you wish to complement it with another dish, here are a few recommendations:
– **Sandwiches:** This serves as an excellent side dish for sandwiches such as Traditional BLT Sandwich, Caprese Sandwich, or Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Sandwich.
– **Grilled meats:** When bringing this to a barbecue or picnic, it pairs nicely with steaks, burgers, hot dogs, and ribs. You may also serve it with a Cast Iron Ribeye Steak, Smoked Chicken Wings, or BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Legs.
– **Bread:** If the Chicken Pasta Salad is the main course, think about serving a side of buttered Focaccia Bread, Buttermilk Cornbread, or Garlic Cheese Bread.
– **Vegetables:** Another excellent side dish to serve with this cold pasta would be vegetables such as Roasted Air Fryer Vegetables, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (Oven Baked), and Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
**Preparing the Recipe in Advance**
**Preparation in advance:** This pasta salad can be prepared ahead of time, but it is not recommended to do so more than 2-3 days in advance as the vegetables may start to become mushy. The dressing can be prepared about a week ahead and then added to the freshly assembled pasta, veggies, and chicken.
**Storage:** Store any remaining Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir and serve when ready.
**Freezing:** Refreezing is not advised if the chicken was previously frozen. This salad is best when made fresh or within a few days and kept in the refrigerator as ingredients like the dressing, tomatoes, and cucumbers do not thaw well.
**More Excellent Pasta Salads!**
– **Tri Color Pasta Salad (VIDEO)**
– **Creamy Pasta Salad**
– **Pesto Pasta Salad (VIDEO)**
– **BLT Pasta Salad**
**Complete Recipe Instructions**
This Chicken Pasta Salad recipe boasts an extensive variety and rich flavors. You’ll appreciate how effortless and straightforward this salad and homemade dressing are to prepare.
**User Ratings:** 5 stars out of 5 (from 4 votes).
from votes
