Best 2 Italian Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes

Italian chicken pasta salad is a delectable dish that combines the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of a pasta salad. It's a perfect meal for summer gatherings, picnics, or potlucks, offering a delightful balance of tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and a tangy, herb-infused dressing. With endless variations and customization options, you can tailor this dish to your taste preferences, making it a versatile and satisfying addition to your recipe repertoire.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Italian Chicken Pasta Salad image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Categories main-dish

Time 55m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

Kosher salt
3 cups dried elbow macaroni
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup cubed rotisserie chicken
1 cup diced English cucumber (about 1/3 cucumber)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped pitted Nicoise olives
1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers (about 1 whole)
1/2 cup 1/4-inch diced hard salami (about 4 ounces)
1/4 cup diced red onion (about 1/2 small)
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 ounces ricotta salata, grated, or crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup red wine vinegar

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water and shake until very dry. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over it and toss well to coat.
Add the chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, peppers, salami, onions and parsley. Season with salt and toss well to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and remaining 1/2 cup olive oil; pour it over the salad and toss well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For best flavor, let the salad stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

ITALIAN CHICKEN-PESTO PASTA SALAD

Italian Chicken-Pesto Pasta Salad image

I use my recipe#144195 for this salad you may use your own favorite, this is best if served right after it is made or you can refrigerate until ready to serve, feel free to throw in some pine nuts :)

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories Penne

Time 20m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs penne (or large pasta of choice) or 1 1/2 lbs spiral pasta (or large pasta of choice)
2 -3 tablespoons oil
2 plum tomatoes, chopped (Roma tomatoes)
2 cups chopped cooked chicken (can use more)
salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
1/3-1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup prepared pesto sauce (use homemade or purchased, for a stronger flavor increase to 1-1/4 cups)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (do not use salad dressing)

Steps:

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente (do not overcook the pasta; drain in a colander then rinse well under cold water.
Drain the pasta well in the colander.
Place the pasta in a large bowl then toss with 2-3 tablespoons oil.
Add in chopped tomatoes and cooked cubed chicken; toss to coat.
For the dressing; in a processor puree the prepared pesto with the spinach and lemon juice.
Add in the mayonnaise and pulse until blended.
Add the mayo mixture to the pasta mixture; toss to combine.
Mix in the Parmesan cheese then season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 597.3, Fat 23.7, SaturatedFat 4.3, Cholesterol 41.4, Sodium 432.9, Carbohydrate 80.7, Fiber 10.7, Sugar 3.7, Protein 18.7

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, succulent chicken, and flavorful pasta are essential.
Don't overcook the chicken. It should be cooked through but still tender and juicy.
Let the pasta cool completely before adding it to the salad. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Use a variety of vegetables in your salad. This will add color, flavor, and texture.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. A simple vinaigrette is always a good choice, but you can also try a creamy dressing or a pesto dressing.
Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later. It's a great make-ahead dish.

Conclusion:

Italian chicken pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. With its vibrant colors, zesty flavors, and variety of textures, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this Italian chicken pasta salad a try!