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Chicken & Pasta Salad

A light and refreshing salad that combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and flavorful pasta tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the salad
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast Seasoned with salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Cut in half
For the dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Grated
  • 1/4 cup basil leaves Chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Season the chicken breast with salt and black pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, peel and dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped red onion.
  2. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
  3. Divide the Chicken & Pasta Salad among six plates and serve immediately.

Notes

This salad can be served as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with garlic bread or a light dessert for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, add a little more before serving.