Chicken Pasta Salad – Fast, Fresh & Full of Flavor!
This Chicken Pasta Salad is your ultimate go-to meal for busy days, potlucks, and meal prep!
Packed with juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing, it’s light yet satisfying and bursting with fresh flavors in every bite.
The best part? It’s quick, easy, and makes fantastic leftovers.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a refreshing meal that comes together in no time, this dish delivers big on taste with minimal effort!
For Chicken Pasta Salad
- Chicken – Grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or thighs for extra flavor.
- Rotini Pasta – A great choice for holding onto all the delicious dressing and ingredients. You can swap for penne, bowtie, or any short pasta.
- Cucumber – Adds a fresh crunch to balance the rich flavors.
- Cherry Tomatoes – These bring a juicy, slightly sweet taste to the salad.
- Red Onion – Gives a mild sharpness that enhances the other flavors.
- Kalamata Olives – A tangy and briny touch for depth of flavor.
- Mozzarella Balls – Soft, creamy, and perfect for that fresh Italian touch.
- Fresh Parsley – Brightens up the salad with a hint of freshness.
- Italian Dressing – You can use store-bought or homemade for the best flavor.
For the Homemade Italian Dressing
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil gives the dressing a rich, smooth base.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Adds the perfect amount of tanginess.
- Parmesan Cheese – Provides a salty, umami depth to the dressing.
- Dried Parsley – Enhances the dressing with a mild, earthy flavor.
- Minced Red Bell Pepper – A touch of sweetness for balance.
- Minced Dried Onion – Adds subtle onion flavor without overpowering.
- Dried Basil & Oregano – Classic Italian herbs that bring warmth and depth.
- Garlic Powder – Gives that necessary garlicky kick.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- Sugar – A small amount balances the acidity.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but adds a little heat for those who like spice.
Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 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
- 1¼ cups Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 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)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil rotini in salted water according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cool water to prevent sticking.
Make the Dressing:
- In a bowl or jar, combine all dressing ingredients.
- Whisk or shake vigorously until well blended.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, and parsley.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Chicken Options: While grilled chicken works best, you can use rotisserie, leftover, or even shredded chicken. Chicken thighs are also a great alternative.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Not recommended for freezing.
- Make-Ahead Dressing: The Italian dressing can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Save time by using a high-quality store-bought dressing if preferred.
Nutrition
Common Questions About Chicken Pasta Salad (And Easy Fixes!)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini is great because it holds onto the dressing and ingredients well, but penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta all work too. Just go for a short pasta shape that won’t get mushy in the dressing.
2. How can I make this recipe even faster?
Rotisserie chicken to the rescue! Swap out grilled chicken for store-bought rotisserie or any pre-cooked chicken. You can also chop the veggies and make the dressing ahead of time—that way, you just toss everything together when you’re ready to eat!
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Just store the dressing separately and mix it in right before serving to keep the pasta from soaking up too much liquid. If the salad looks dry after sitting, just add a little more dressing and toss again!
4. What if I don’t have all the ingredients for the dressing?
No worries! If you’re missing a few ingredients, a high-quality store-bought Italian dressing is a quick and easy swap. You can also mix olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and your favorite herbs for a simple homemade alternative.
5. How do I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pasta dries out, just add a little extra dressing before serving. Not freezer-friendly, but honestly, it’s so delicious, you won’t have leftovers for long!
Enjoy this delicious, easy-to-make chicken pasta salad, perfect for meal prep, potlucks, and summer gatherings!