Best 3 Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad Recipes

Chicken spinach pasta salad is a nutritious and vibrant dish that combines the irresistible flavor of tender chicken, fresh baby spinach, and al dente pasta in a light and zesty dressing. This delectable salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat, with the vibrant greens of the spinach contrasting beautifully with the golden-brown chicken and the colorful medley of vegetables. It serves as a perfect main course or a delightful side dish at potlucks, summer gatherings, or leisurely weekend brunches, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN AND SPINACH PASTA SALAD

Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad image

My family loves pasta salads, but usually they have too much mayonnaise or oily dressing. Using hummus gives this dish a great taste and texture, while also increasing its nutritional profile. Adding chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken works well), makes this pasta salad a complete meal. -Jenny Lynch, Rock Island, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked whole wheat rotini
1/2 cup hummus
3 tablespoons Italian salad dressing
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup cubed cooked chicken breast
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water., Combine hummus, salad dressing, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add pasta; toss to coat. Stir in spinach, chicken, tomatoes and olives. Sprinkle with feta. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges

CHICKEN SPINACH PASTA SALAD

Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad image

Since we grow and harvest our own spinach, we use it in lots of dishes. One of our favorite ways to enjoy it is in this pasta salad.-Ruby Pyles, Myersville, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

4 cups torn fresh spinach
4 cups cooked spiral pasta
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
2-1/2 cups sliced celery
2 cups green grapes, halved
1 cup fresh snow peas
1 medium tomato, chopped
3 green onions, sliced
DRESSING:
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped onion

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 212 calories, Fat 10g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 203mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

CHEESY CHICKEN-SPINACH PASTA SALAD

Cheesy Chicken-Spinach Pasta Salad image

Hot summer nights call for cool salads such as this. I created the recipe by accident one day when tossing together whatever ingredients I had on hand.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups uncooked small pasta shells
4 cups baby spinach
2-1/2 cups julienned cooked chicken
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts
DRESSING:
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced chives
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
Dash each garlic powder and cayenne pepper

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse in cold water and drain well. In a large bowl, gently toss the pasta, spinach, chicken, blue cheese and pine nuts. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

Properly cook the pasta: Al dente is the ideal texture for pasta in this salad, so be sure not to overcook it.
Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach will provide the best flavor and texture for this salad, but you can also use frozen spinach if necessary. Just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before using.
Don't skimp on the dressing: The dressing is what brings all the flavors of this salad together, so be sure to use a good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup to taste.
Add some protein: This salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken, but you can also add other proteins like tofu, beans, or lentils.
Make it ahead of time: This salad is even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Conclusion:

Chicken spinach pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be tailored to your liking. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying salad, give this recipe a try!