Colorful Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe: A Lively Summer Delight

Summer heat calls for a refreshing chicken pasta salad that promises cool relief and bursting flavors.

This delightful Mediterranean-inspired chicken pasta salad combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing.

Colorful ingredients dance together, creating a light and satisfying meal perfect for picnics or quick lunches.

Fresh herbs add a zesty punch, while perfectly cooked pasta provides a hearty base for the dish.

Crunchy bell peppers and juicy cherry tomatoes bring vibrant textures and bright colors to every bite.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of protein, vegetables, and bold seasonings that will keep you coming back for more.

You’ll love how simple yet spectacular this recipe can be when prepared with care and passion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 4

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad Ingredient Guide

• Whole Wheat Pasta: Hearty and nutritious base that adds robust texture and complex carbohydrates to elevate the salad's nutritional profile.
• Rotini Pasta: Spiral shape perfectly captures dressing and provides delightful mouthfeel with excellent sauce-holding capabilities.

• Grilled Chicken Breast: Lean protein powerhouse that adds satisfying substance and muscle-building nutrients to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy burst of sweetness that introduces vibrant color and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp ingredient that provides zesty undertone and elegant crunch to balance other ingredients.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil that blends ingredients and delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy liquid that adds sophisticated depth and balances the overall taste profile.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that introduces bright, peppery notes and authentic Italian essence.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty cheese that crumbles beautifully and adds luxurious Mediterranean touch.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy seasoning that enhances other ingredients' natural flavors.
• Sea Salt: Pure mineral seasoning that elevates and harmonizes the entire dish's taste spectrum.

Tools to Toss a Balanced Chicken Pasta Salad Fast

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta and creating the base of your dish.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta and rinsing with cold water quickly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice chicken, chop herbs, and dice vegetables with precision.
• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to combine pasta, chicken, and vegetables for easy tossing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients smoothly without breaking pasta.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad That’s Still Filling

• Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender yet slightly firm, following the package guidelines.

• Chill and Prepare Pasta

Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let the pasta cool completely while you prep the other ingredients.

• Chop Fresh Ingredients

Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Create a vibrant mix of textures and flavors that will make your salad pop.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a small bowl, blend olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and a touch of seasoning. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well-combined, creating a tangy complement to the pasta and chicken.

• Combine and Toss

Gently mix the cooled pasta, sliced chicken, chopped vegetables, and freshly made dressing in a large bowl. Ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and beautifully distributed.

• Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. When ready to serve, give it a quick toss and enjoy your refreshing, nutritious meal.

Optional Veggies and Dressings for Flavor Flexibility

• Pasta Perfection: Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to boost nutritional value and cater to different dietary needs.
• Protein Power-Up: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or canned tuna for vegetarian or alternative protein options.
• Veggie Versatility: Mix in seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to add extra flavor and nutrients.
• Dressing Dynamics: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the dressing, such as fresh basil, dill, or a touch of smoked paprika, to create unique flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad a day in advance and store in the refrigerator to let flavors meld, making it an ideal meal-prep option for busy weeks.

Serve Chilled or Room Temp for Quick Meals

• Flavor Burst Bowl: Serve the chicken pasta salad in a vibrant, colorful ceramic bowl to showcase the fresh ingredients and make the meal visually appealing.
• Mediterranean Picnic Platter: Spread the salad on a large wooden board with some extra herbs, olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a stunning outdoor dining experience.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Pack the salad in individual meal prep containers for a convenient, nutritious work or school lunch that stays fresh and delicious.
• Chilled Appetizer Delight: Serve small portions as a refreshing starter before a main course, garnished with extra fresh herbs and a light drizzle of olive oil.

Store Portions for On-the-Go Lunches

• Quick Chill Strategy: Cool down pasta immediately after cooking by rinsing with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
• Refrigeration Tips: Store the chicken pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and delicious in the refrigerator.
• Smart Preparation Hack: Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy pasta.
• Portion Control Magic: Divide salad into individual meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, saving time and ensuring consistent freshness.

Vibrant Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering healthy chicken pasta salad combines tender grilled chicken with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a light, refreshing meal perfect for summer gatherings and quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 8 oz (225 grams) whole wheat or chickpea pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (or mozzarella pearls)
• ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil, then cook pasta until al dente, maintaining a slight firmness. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool noodles quickly.
2. Protein and Vegetable Preparation: While pasta cools, cube cooked chicken into uniform pieces and slice vegetables into crisp, consistent chunks to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk together dressing ingredients until thoroughly blended, creating a smooth, well-incorporated sauce that will complement the pasta and proteins.
4. Salad Assembly: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, diced chicken, and chopped vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture, gently folding to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
5. Chilling and Flavor Development: Cover the salad and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to marinate and flavors to intensify. Before serving, stir gently and garnish with fresh herbs for an aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta exactly to al dente stage to prevent mushiness, ensuring a perfect bite and preventing the noodles from becoming soft when mixed with dressing.
• Chill Technique: Allow pasta to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent wilting of vegetables and maintain crisp, fresh texture of the salad.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs for vegetarian options or to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising the salad’s core structure.
• Dressing Balance: Dress the salad sparingly to avoid soggy consistency, adding dressing gradually and tossing gently to ensure light, even coating that enhances rather than overwhelms the ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg