Chicken Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
512 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Chicken Pasta Salad
Description
The Chicken Pasta Salad mixes tender cooked pasta with protein-rich chicken and crispy bacon for satisfying texture contrasts. Halved grape tomatoes and sliced green onions add freshness while shredded Parmesan and chopped basil contribute aromatic and savory notes. The dressing, made from olive oil, lemon zest and juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic, provides a balance of citrus brightness and mild sweetness that lightly dresses the salad without overpowering the ingredients.
After tossing, letting the salad stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes develops the flavors further. Garnishing with extra basil and Parmesan adds color and bursts of herbal and cheesy depth to each bite. This salad works well as a main dish or side, combining proteins and vegetables in a flavorful, texturally varied bowl.
The recipe can accommodate grilled, baked, sautéed, or rotisserie chicken, and allows for additions like arugula, spinach, or diced avocado to boost greens and creaminess just before serving.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice fresh
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt to taste, Kosher salt
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb penne pasta or similar pasta
- 1 lb chicken tenders cooked and chopped, boneless skinless, or breasts
- 6 Bacon cooked and chopped, strips
- 2 1/2 cups grape tomato halved
- 3 green onion sliced
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup basil chopped, fresh
- salt to taste, Kosher salt
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt
- basil for garnish, extra
- Parmesan Cheese for garnish, extra
Instructions
- To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain well and transfer to large bowl.
- Add the cooked chicken, bacon, tomatoes, green onions, Parmesan cheese, and basil to the pasta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- For best flavor, let the salad stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Use any cooked chicken such as grilled, baked, sautéed, or rotisserie to suit your preference.
- For added greens, stir in arugula or chopped spinach before serving.
- Add diced avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 512 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 512kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 56mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 389mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 521mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 634IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 177mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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