Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Chicken Pasta Salad Fast, Fresh & Full of Flavor!
Looking for a healthy, easy, and flavorful dish that works for lunch, dinner, or meal prep? This Chicken Pasta Salad is a total crowd-pleaser!
Made with juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty Italian dressing—this dish is refreshing, satisfying, and loaded with flavor in every bite.
Perfect for potlucks, busy weeknights, or make-ahead meals!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta Salad
- Ready in 40 minutes
- Great for meal prep or leftovers
- Easy to customize
- Packed with protein and fresh veggies
- Family-friendly & picnic-approved
Main Salad Ingredients
- Grilled Chicken Breast – Juicy, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts are ideal. Want to save time? Use rotisserie chicken or chicken thighs for an extra flavor boost.
- Rotini Pasta – Twisty pasta that’s perfect for catching all the dressing. You can also use penne, bowtie, or any short pasta you love.
- Cucumber – Adds a cool, crisp crunch that balances the richness of the dressing and cheese.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, they bring brightness and color to every bite.
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced for a mild, sharp bite that rounds out the flavors.
- Kalamata Olives – Briny, bold, and a perfect Mediterranean touch.
- Mozzarella Balls – Creamy and soft, these little pearls add a rich, milky texture. Slice them in half for better distribution.
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped and sprinkled in for a fresh, herby finish.
- Italian Dressing – Use your favorite store-bought version, or level it up with the homemade recipe below!
Ingredients for Homemade Italian Dressing
- This zesty, savory dressing takes the salad to a whole new level — way better than bottled!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Rich, smooth, and the perfect base for a vinaigrette.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Tangy and bold to balance the richness of the oil and cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, umami punch and thickens the dressing.
- Dried Parsley – Brings a mild earthiness that pairs well with the veggies.
- Minced Red Bell Pepper – A tiny bit of natural sweetness and color.
- Minced Dried Onion – Offers a subtle onion flavor without overpowering.
- Dried Basil & Oregano – Classic Italian herbs that add depth and warmth.
- Garlic Powder – For that signature garlicky kick every great Italian dressing needs.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor.
- Sugar – Just a pinch helps mellow the acidity and ties it all together.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – Want a little heat? Add a pinch for a gentle kick.
Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Fresh, flavorful Chicken Pasta Salad made with grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or quick dinners!
Course: Salad, Side Dish Cuisine: American Keyword: Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad Prep Time: 15minutes minutes Cook Time: 25minutes minutes Total Time: 40minutes minutes Servings: 8 Calories: 342kcal
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 1 lb rotini pasta (or penne, bowtie, fusilli)
- 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless & skinless)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- ¾ cup mozzarella balls, halved
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1¼ cups Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad
- Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high.
Rub chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Grill for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
Rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces. - Cook the Pasta
Boil rotini in salted water according to the package.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and keep it from sticking. - Make the Dressing (Optional)
Whisk all dressing ingredients in a jar or bowl.
Shake well and store in the fridge until ready to use. - Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine:
Cooked pasta
Grilled chicken
Cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives
Mozzarella balls and parsley
Pour in the dressing and toss everything to coat evenly.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Variations & Add-ins
- Make it your own with these fun twists:
- Add feta or shredded cheddar
- Toss in baby spinach or arugula
- Add avocado for creamy richness
- Like heat? Add pepperoncini or jalapeños
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If it dries out, just add a splash of extra dressing and toss.
- Not freezer-friendly.
Nutrition
Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 717mg | Potassium: -2mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta works well penne, bowties, or fusilli are great options.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes! A good-quality Italian or vinaigrette works just fine. But homemade brings the freshest flavor!
How do I make this for meal prep?
Store salad and dressing separately in the fridge. Mix just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Try grilled shrimp, turkey, chickpeas, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
This Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful, and easy-to-make recipe that belongs in your regular rotation. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s always a hit!
