This Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies. It’s perfect for a light meal or a picnic with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using colorful rotini because it adds a fun look to the dish. If you prefer another shape, fusilli, penne, or farfalle all work well too!
Cooked Chicken Breast: For convenience, I usually pick up a rotisserie chicken. It’s quick and tasty! If you’re vegetarian or need a lighter option, chickpeas or tofu can make great substitutes.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a juicy burst to the salad. If they aren’t in season, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Just make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor!
Avocado: This not only adds creaminess but also healthy fats. If you don’t have avocados or are allergic, try using diced cucumber or a bit of feta cheese for a different texture.
Italian Dressing: I prefer a homemade vinaigrette, but store-bought works perfectly too. If you’re health-conscious, try a lighter dressing or make one with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
How to Cook Pasta Perfectly for Your Salad?
Cooking your pasta just right is key to a great salad. Here’s a simple guide:
- Start boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt adds flavor to the pasta.
- Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Check for “al dente” doneness—this means the pasta is cooked but still firm. It will soften further when mixed with the dressing.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly, perfect for a salad.
By following these steps, your pasta will have the perfect texture for the Chicken Pasta Salad!
How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (mixed colors, if desired)
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing & Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing (or any vinaigrette of your choice)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes for prep and cooking, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the instructions on the package. Usually, it involves boiling water and cooking until al dente—tender but still a bit firm. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This step cools it off, so your salad is refreshing!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
Grab a large mixing bowl and add the cooled rotini pasta. Then, toss in the diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, diced bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. These veggies and chicken will make your salad colorful and tasty!
3. Dress and Season:
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta salad, then sprinkle the dried oregano, and add salt and pepper to your taste. Toss everything gently but well, mixing until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Chill and Garnish:
If you want an extra burst of flavor, you can garnish your salad with fresh parsley or basil. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling not only cools it down but also allows all the flavors to mingle and enhance every bite!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, your Chicken Pasta Salad is ready to enjoy! You can serve it straight from the fridge or at room temperature. It makes for a delightful meal or side dish on a warm day. Enjoy your creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can substitute other types of pasta like fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta you’re using.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may soften a bit as it sits, but it still tastes delicious! If you find it a little dry upon reheating, just drizzle with a bit more dressing before serving.
What Alternatives Can I Use for the Chicken?
If you’re looking for a substitute, shredded rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken works well. For a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or black beans instead—just rinse and drain before adding!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this salad up to 24 hours in advance! Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge. This allows the flavors to develop even more. If you’re using avocado, you might want to add it just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning.
