Best 7 Basic Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Chicken pasta salad is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized to your liking, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a creamy, tangy, or zesty dressing, or a combination of your favorite ingredients, this article will guide you through the process of creating the perfect basic chicken pasta salad. With a few simple steps and a combination of fresh ingredients, you'll be able to whip up a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Let's cook with our recipes!

EASY CHICKEN/PASTA SALAD



Easy Chicken/Pasta Salad image

This is an easy 4 ingredient dinner with plenty of leftovers (unless you have a huge family) Very frugal too- which is good in this economy! This makes a huge amount. We can feed a family of 5 plus have leftovers for lunch the next day! Great for a quick meal coming home from work.

Provided by Daisydukex3

Categories     Chicken

Time 15m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

10 -12 ounces cooked chicken, shredded (leftover chicken works, or shortcuts prebagged work as well....also leftover ham or turkey would be )
8 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
4 ounces frozen vegetables (we use half a bag of peas & carrots but whatever floats your boat will work ,o)
3/4 cup bottled ranch dressing (measure is approximate, we eyeball it til its the right consistency. Creamy Italian would also be go)

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, adding frozen vegetables and chicken to boiling water.
  • Drain and cool.
  • Toss with bottled dressing, serve cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 289.2, Fat 14.4, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 34, Sodium 281.2, Carbohydrate 26, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 1.4, Protein 13.5

QUICK AND EASY GARDEN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Quick and Easy Garden Chicken Pasta Salad image

An extremely easy pasta salad from Kraft Foods. You can substitute or add any other ingredients you like. I sometimes add cubed mozzarella, Parmesan and fresh chicken. I'm making it today with cheese tortellini. This is my potluck "staple" in the summertime. Time does not include chill time.

Provided by HEP MEP

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 20m

Yield 10 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 cups rotini pasta (8 oz.) or 3 cups pasta, of your choice cooked and drained (8 oz.)
2 cups broccoli florets, lightly blanched
1 1/2 cups three cheese ranch dressing or 1 1/2 cups regular ranch dressing
1 (6 ounce) package cooked chicken breasts, cuts or chopped red pepper
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup slivered onion

Steps:

  • Toss all ingredients and refrigerate.
  • Can be made up to 2 days ahead.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.
  • Can be easily doubled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 336.7, Fat 20.6, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 24, Sodium 362.5, Carbohydrate 27, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 2.5, Protein 10.2

PASTA SALAD WITH CHICKEN AND BACON



Pasta Salad With Chicken and Bacon image

This chicken pasta salad recipe is flavored with bacon and tomatoes, along with a simply seasoned mayonnaise and lemon juice dressing.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Lunch     Salad     Side Dish     Pasta     Salad

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 to 8 slices bacon (sliced)
8 ounces mini penne pasta (or macaroni )
2 cups chicken breast (about 2 to 3 chicken breast halves, cooked and diced)
1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
2 plum tomatoes (seeds removed, diced)
2 ribs celery (diced)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, plus more for garnish)
1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 lemon (juiced)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Steps:

  • Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 314 kcal, Carbohydrate 13 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 401 mg, Sugar 2 g, Fat 21 g, ServingSize Serves 6 to 8, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

CHICKEN PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY DRESSING



Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing image

Recipe video above. This is a big batch Chicken Pasta Salad with plenty of creamy dressing, lightened up using a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise so it's not excessively oil. Make it today, enjoy it for days!After a no mayo version? Use a Creamy Yogurt Dressing instead.

Provided by Nagi

Categories     Lunch     Pasta     Salad meal

Number Of Ingredients 18

500g / 1 lb macaroni / elbow pasta ((or other pasta of choice))
1 tbsp salt ((to cook pasta))
3 cups cooked chicken (, shredded or finely chopped (Note 1))
150g / 5 oz bacon (, chopped)
2 celery stalks (, finely sliced)
1 red capsicum / bell pepper (, finely diced)
2 green onions (, finely sliced)
2 carrots ((medium), shredded using standard box grater)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, tasty, Colby)
2 avocados ((small/medium), cut into bite size pieces (optional))
1 cup mayonnaise (, whole egg best (Hellmann's, Best Foods, S&W or other whole egg mayonnaise))
1 cup sour cream (, full fat (low fat ok too))
3 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
4 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add salt, then cook pasta per packet directions. Drain well, let cool.
  • Dressing: Mix Dressing ingredients in a bowl. Set aside 10 minutes+.
  • Cook bacon: Place bacon in a cold non-stick skillet (Note X). Turn stove on to medium high, then cook bacon until golden. Drain on paper towels.
  • Toss! Place cooked pasta in a large bowl along with all the Pasta Salad ingredients, reserving some bacon for garnish. Pour over Dressing, then toss well.
  • Set aside for 20 minutes. Transfer to serving bowl, sprinkle with remaining bacon. Serve!
  • Storage: Keeps for 3 - 4 days in the fridge. Best to bring to room temp before serving!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 548 kcal, Carbohydrate 37 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 33 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 76 mg, Sodium 1355 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

QUICK CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Quick Chicken Pasta Salad image

For a quick and easy side to take to a get-together or potluck, try this pasta salad. It is also a great way to use leftover chicken.-Alice Schoon, Henning, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups uncooked medium shell pasta
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables, cooked and drained
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 bottle (8 ounces) ranch salad dressing
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse in cold water and drain. Cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, mixed vegetables, celery and onion. In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, salt, dill and pepper. Stir into pasta mixture. Stir in cheese. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 348 calories, Fat 16g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 50mg cholesterol, Sodium 371mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Chicken Pasta Salad image

Easy to make, full of flavor, and packed with veggies and chicken.

Provided by Rena

Categories     Main Course

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1½ Tbsp Olive Oil
4 Garlic Clove (minced)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 oz Dry Penne or Fusilli Pasta (use whole grain pasta, or gluten-free)
2-3 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Thyme
2 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Oregano (or dried)
2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
1 Yellow Bell Pepper (seeds removed, thinly sliced)
½ Cup Green Olives (sliced in half)
1 medium Red Onion (thickly sliced)
⅓ Cup Ground Parmesan Cheese
3 Cups Packed Arugula (roughly chopped)
4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp White Wine Vinegar
1 Tsp Honey
1 Garlic Cloves (pressed or minced)
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, add all the dressing ingredients and whisk until well combined. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water, according to the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts crosswise to create long (0.5-inch thick) strips.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil with the thyme, oregano, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Add in the chicken pieces and stir to coat. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and golden on the sides.
  • Transfer the chicken along with any accumulated juices to the pasta bowl. Add the pepper and onion, cherry tomatoes, olives, parmesan, and arugula.
  • Pour over the dressing and toss to combine. Season to taste with more salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve warm or chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 468 kcal, Carbohydrate 45 g, Protein 27 g, Fat 20 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Cholesterol 53 mg, Sodium 358 mg, Fiber 7 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

PESTO CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad image

Be generous with the salt and easonings so the pasta salad can have flavor. Customize this pasta to your personal flavors. Add more of less of any ingredient to make it perfect to your personal taste! You can use leftover roast chicken for this, the flavor is even better.

Provided by Diane

Categories     Main Course     Salad

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 14

12-16 ounces dried pasta (, cooked to package instructions)
2-3 cups cooked shredded cooked chicken
1 cup chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 cups pesto ((about 14oz./425g))
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (, packed in oil & chopped)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
zest of 1 lemon
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice ((or more to taste))
salt (, to taste)
fresh cracked black pepper (, to taste)
toasted pine nuts (, optional)
extra grated parmesan cheese (, optional)
red pepper flakes ((optional, to taste))

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta to package instructions. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse with cold water. Drain the pasta, transfer to a large bowl and set aside. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
  • In a medium sized bowl toss together all the ingredients until evenly combined (pasta, chicken, basil, pesto, olive oil, sun dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, & pepper).
  • Add optional toppings (pine nuts, extra parmesan, red pepper flakes). Chill before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 547 kcal, Carbohydrate 44 g, Protein 23 g, Fat 31 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Cholesterol 41 mg, Sodium 689 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 8 g, UnsaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 serving

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh, free-range chicken, flavorful pasta, and crisp vegetables will make a big difference.
  • Cook the chicken ahead of time and let it cool completely before adding it to the salad. This will help prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your salad. This will add color, texture, and flavor. Some good choices include broccoli, carrots, celery, cucumber, and tomatoes.
  • Don't overdress the salad. A little bit of dressing goes a long way. You can always add more dressing if needed.
  • Serve the salad chilled. This will help the flavors meld together and make the salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Chicken pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. With so many different variations to choose from, there's sure to be a recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give chicken pasta salad a try.

Related Topics