Go Back
+ servings
Chicken Pasta Salad

Delicious Chicken Pasta Salad: A Hearty Meal Prep Delight

This Chicken Pasta Salad is a quick, nutritious meal with high protein and no mayo, perfect for meal prep and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Fusilli Pasta Feel free to substitute with rotini or penne.
For the Protein
  • 2 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Consider alternating with grilled shrimp or tofu.
  • 4 slices Bacon Use pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Any cherry or heirloom variety works.
  • 2 cups Spinach Substitute with kale or arugula if preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Use green onions or shallots as an alternative.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Avocado oil can be substituted for unique flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar Try apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for an alternate zing.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Whole grain mustard can add texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Mix dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary if you're out.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to suit your personal taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adjust to suit your personal taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can provide a more robust taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Dill Substitute with parsley or basil for a different twist.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Use only if you're a garlic lover!

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • colander
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add fusilli pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes then chop.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped chicken, crispy bacon, halved tomatoes, spinach, red onion, and dill. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently until coated.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to chill. Ideal for lunch, picnics, or potlucks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 28gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftover salad in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping dressing separate until serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!