15 Quick and Delicious Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes to Try
Chicken pasta salads are the perfect combo of hearty and refreshing, making them a go-to for lunches, picnics, or easy dinners. With a variety of flavors and ingredients to play with, these 15 simple recipes will add some excitement to your meal rotation while keeping it light and delicious. Dive in and find your new favorite dish!
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Get ready to enjoy a delightful bowl of creamy pesto chicken pasta salad. This dish is a perfect mix of tender rotini pasta, juicy pieces of chicken, and a rich pesto sauce that brings everything together.
The vibrant green of the pesto is complemented by fresh basil leaves, making the salad not just tasty, but visually appealing too. You can almost taste the flavor just by looking at it!
To make this salad, you’ll need cooked chicken, rotini pasta, fresh basil, and, of course, pesto. It’s easy to whip up and ideal for a quick meal or a picnic with friends. Simply combine everything in a large bowl, and you’re set for a delicious meal.
Italian Chicken Pasta Salad
This Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables. The vibrant colors of the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella create a feast for the eyes. Each ingredient adds flavor and texture, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
To whip up this tasty salad, you’ll need rotini pasta, cooked chicken breast, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. A simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper brings everything together.
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente. Drain and cool it before mixing with the other ingredients. Toss in the chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella, then drizzle the dressing over the top. Finally, garnish with fresh basil for that Italian touch. This chicken pasta salad is not just easy to make, but it’s also refreshing and satisfying!
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Salad
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The image showcases a delicious plate of pasta topped with tender pieces of chicken and fresh herbs. The vibrant lemon slices add a pop of color and hint at the zesty flavor within.
To whip up this tasty chicken pasta salad, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Start with cooked pasta, grilled chicken, fresh parsley, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. Toss everything together for a light yet satisfying meal.
The steps are straightforward. First, cook the pasta until al dente. While it cools, prepare your chicken—grilling or baking works well. Create your dressing by mixing lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Finally, combine all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on a classic dish. It features tender pasta coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, tossed with shredded chicken, and topped with crumbled cheese. Fresh celery adds a crunchy texture and bright flavor, making it a refreshing choice.
The warm, inviting colors of the pasta in the image are just mouthwatering. You can see bits of cheese sprinkled on top, giving it a creamy touch. The vibrant green celery sticks not only look great but also enhance the dish’s crunch.
To make this chicken pasta salad, you’ll need cooked pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, buffalo sauce, and your favorite cheese. Combine everything in a bowl, then chill it in the fridge. Serve it cold for a perfect dish at any gathering or picnic.
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean chicken pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. The image shows a colorful bowl filled with spiral pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender pieces of chicken. Black olives and creamy feta cheese add a savory touch, while fresh herbs like mint and parsley bring it all together.
Preparing this dish is simple and perfect for any occasion. Start by cooking your pasta until al dente. While that’s cooling, grill or bake some chicken breast, seasoned to your liking. Toss everything together in a large bowl with your favorite dressing—olive oil and lemon juice work wonderfully. The result is a refreshing chicken pasta salad that’s great for picnics or quick lunches.
This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. The combination of protein from the chicken and vitamins from the veggies makes it a healthy choice. Enjoy this Mediterranean twist on chicken pasta salad, and don’t forget, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad
This Southwest chicken pasta salad is bursting with colors and flavors. The dish features rotini pasta, tender chunks of chicken, juicy tomatoes, and sweet corn, all tossed together with black beans. Each ingredient adds to the freshness and crunch of this salad.
The vibrant green avocado slices on top not only look great but also add a creamy texture. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro enhances the dish, making it even more appealing. This salad is perfect for a quick meal or a potluck.
Making this chicken pasta salad is simple. Just cook your pasta, grill or sauté the chicken, and mix everything together with your favorite dressing. Serve it chilled for the best taste!
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful and appetizing dish that combines tender chicken, spiral pasta, and sweet corn. The vibrant colors of the ingredients stand out beautifully, making it a perfect addition to any meal. The drizzle of BBQ sauce adds a tangy flavor that complements the freshness of the salad.
To make this delicious chicken pasta salad, start by cooking your favorite pasta. Once it’s ready, mix it with diced grilled chicken and sweet corn. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the top and toss everything together. Adding fresh cilantro to the mix enhances the flavor and gives it a lovely finish.
This dish is not just easy to prepare; it’s also a great option for gatherings or picnics. It can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion. Enjoy the simple pleasure of a tasty chicken pasta salad that satisfies your cravings!
Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad
Imagine a bowl filled with a delightful mix of flavors and colors. This Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad showcases rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella balls. Fresh basil leaves peek through, adding a vibrant touch. It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
This recipe combines the classic Caprese salad elements with tender pieces of chicken, making it a hearty chicken pasta salad. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The best part? It’s quick to make and great for meal prep!
To whip it up, start with cooked rotini pasta. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and diced grilled chicken. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for that signature taste. Finish with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Easy peasy!
Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad
This Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing. The image shows a beautiful bowl filled with spiral pasta topped with juicy chicken pieces and fresh green chives.
The golden honey mustard sauce is being drizzled over the pasta, adding a burst of flavor that makes this dish so irresistible. It’s a perfect meal for a sunny day or a quick weeknight dinner. You can see how the creamy sauce clings to the pasta, creating a mouthwatering sight that’s hard to resist.
To make this dish, you’ll need cooked rotini pasta, grilled chicken, honey, mustard, olive oil, and some fresh herbs for garnish. Simply mix the dressing together, toss it with the pasta and chicken, and top it off with chopped chives for that extra pop of color and flavor. This chicken pasta salad is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Asian Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for a twist on the classic chicken pasta salad, this Asian sesame version is a winner. Imagine a colorful bowl filled with tender spaghetti, juicy chicken pieces, and bright cherry tomatoes. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a burst of flavor, making every bite refreshing.
The salad showcases delicious ingredients that come together effortlessly. You’ll find black beans for protein, sesame seeds for crunch, and a light dressing that ties everything together. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic treat.
To make this recipe, start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente. While it cooks, sauté your chicken until golden brown. Once everything is ready, toss it all together with cherry tomatoes, black beans, and a sesame dressing. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds for that authentic Asian flavor.
This chicken pasta salad is not just quick to prepare; it’s healthy, too! Packed with nutrients, it makes a great meal option. Give it a try for your next gathering or meal prep!
