This Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad is fresh and yummy! Made with tender chicken, colorful spinach, and pasta, it’s a great dish that brings together healthy ingredients in a fun way.
Every bite makes me feel like I’m having a picnic, even if I’m just at home! 🥗 I love tossing in some cherry tomatoes for a splash of color and sweetness. It’s easy to whip up, making lunch simple and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This corkscrew shape holds dressing and ingredients beautifully. If you don’t have rotini, try penne or farfalle. They work just as well and bring their own fun shape!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. You can also use leftover chicken from another meal, or even swap in canned chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds a fresh, mild flavor. If spinach isn’t available, use arugula or kale. Just note that kale may need to be massaged a bit to soften its texture.
Feta Cheese: This cheese gives a tangy kick. If you’re not a fan, try goat cheese or even mozzarella. Just remember, fresher cheeses will change the flavor profile a bit!
Greek Yogurt: It adds creaminess with a bit of tang. You can use sour cream if that’s what you have, or even just extra mayo if you want to keep it simple.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Stays Fresh and Flavorful?
To keep your pasta salad fresh, the cooling and mixing process is key. Start by cooking the rotini perfectly—al dente is best, so it doesn’t turn mushy later! Once drained, rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- After mixing the salad, chill it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.
- Right before serving, give it a toss to redistribute the dressing and keep everything lively.
- If you’ve got leftovers, store them in an airtight container. You may need to add a splash of vinegar or oil the next day to freshen the flavors up!
How to Make Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or additional mayonnaise)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll have a delicious, flavorful salad ready in no time, perfect for a quick meal or a potluck!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling some water in a large pot. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, fresh spinach leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced celery, and crumbled feta cheese. Give them a gentle stir to mix the ingredients evenly.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, white wine vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy – this will bring all the flavors together!
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the chicken and vegetables. Pour the dressing over everything and carefully toss the salad until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
5. Adjust the Seasoning:
Give your pasta salad a taste. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a bit more dressing if you feel it needs it. Make it just how you like it!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Final Touches:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a good toss to mix things up again. If you like, sprinkle some fresh, chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your refreshing Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred the amount you need and mix it in with the other ingredients as directed. No need to worry about cooking the chicken, so it makes this recipe even quicker!
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with sour cream or extra mayonnaise. Just keep in mind that using mayonnaise will make the salad richer, while sour cream adds a tangy flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste!
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
This chicken spinach pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors might intensify over time, so give it a good stir and taste before serving again!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this pasta salad vegan! Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken, swap the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a vegan alternative, and replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether. Adjust seasonings to enhance the flavors!
