If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and wholesome goodness, then you have got to try this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a perfect combination of tender grilled chicken, whole-grain pasta, crisp veggies, and creamy feta, tossed in a zesty, tangy dressing that brings everything together in a delightful harmony. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, prepping for a picnic, or want a light but filling dinner, this salad will quickly become a cherished staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is what makes this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe so appealing and easy to put together. Each component plays a special role, offering vibrant colors, textures, or complementary flavors that create a balanced and nutritious dish.
- Whole-grain pasta: Adds a hearty base that’s both filling and packed with fiber.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein for muscle-boosting energy.
- Olive oil: Enhances moisture and adds a subtle, fruity richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all ingredients to life.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cucumber: Brings a refreshing crunch that brightens every bite.
- Red onion: Adds a gentle sharpness that complements the creamy elements.
- Black olives: Introduce a lovely briny depth.
- Feta cheese: Delivers a salty, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the vegetables.
- Fresh basil: Infuses a sweet, aromatic note that lifts the entire salad.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the dressing.
- Red wine vinegar: Offers a subtle tang to round out the flavors.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle kick and emulsifies the dressing perfectly.
- Greek yogurt: Contributes creaminess with a healthy twist, making the dressing lighter.
- Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal finish for garnish.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the whole-grain pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture—firm with a slight chew. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool completely; cooling helps the salad stay fresh and the pasta won’t get mushy once tossed with the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and half the olive oil to lock in moisture and flavor. Grill or pan-cook them over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until beautifully golden and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute, then slice into thin, tender strips perfect for mixing into the salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, and the remaining olive oil in a small bowl. This dressing strikes the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and light—no heaviness here! Season with salt and pepper to taste to elevate the flavors just right.
Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a spacious bowl, bring together the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil. This vibrant array of colors and textures makes the salad as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Gently fold the tender slices of chicken into the pasta and vegetable mixture, ensuring every component mingles well for flavor harmony.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
Now pour that zesty dressing all over the salad and toss everything thoroughly. This coats each bite with a luscious, tangy layer that highlights the freshness and heartiness of the ingredients.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top for an herby burst that is as visually appealing as it is tasty. Your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra feta crumbles, a twist of lemon zest, or more fresh herbs such as basil or parsley amps up the flavor complexity and makes your salad look professionally plated. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add a luscious finish.
Side Dishes
This salad works beautifully as a main dish, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside crispy garlic bread, a simple green side salad, or roasted vegetables for a delightful contrast in textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the bowl? Serve this salad in hollowed-out avocado halves for an Instagram-worthy presentation or pack it into mason jars for an easy, portable lunch option. You can even stuff it inside whole-grain pita pockets for a handheld twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal or a handy option for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without the fuss.
Freezing
While the components like chicken and pasta freeze well separately, this salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the vegetables and dressing may change upon thawing.
Reheating
If you prefer your pasta salad slightly warm, briefly microwave the chicken separately and then toss it with the chilled salad or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge—the flavors are just as delightful either way!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the salad?
Absolutely! While whole-grain pasta adds extra fiber, you can use any shape you like—penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta all work wonderfully in this salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this salad holds up well for meal prepping. Just store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad right before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Of course! Grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas are excellent alternatives that can adapt the salad to different dietary preferences.
How spicy is the dressing?
The dressing has a mild kick from the Dijon mustard but remains gentle enough for all palates. You can always adjust by adding more mustard or a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.
What can I add to make this salad even more nutritious?
Throw in some steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or even a handful of spinach to boost the nutrient profile without compromising flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a recipe that feels both comforting and invigorating, and this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe hits that mark perfectly. It’s bright, wholesome, and endlessly versatile, making it a go-to dish to share with family and friends time and again. So, grab these ingredients, get cooking, and fall in love with your new favorite salad!
Print
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy and flavorful chicken pasta salad featuring whole-grain pasta, grilled chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing. This light and nutritious dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups whole-grain pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil (remaining from the 1 tablespoon total)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the whole-grain pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the olive oil (about 1/2 tablespoon). Grill the chicken over medium heat or cook in a skillet for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, and the remaining olive oil. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
- Add the Chicken: Add the sliced grilled chicken breasts into the pasta and vegetable mixture.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top as garnish just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use whole-grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor but pan-cooking works just as well.
- The Greek yogurt dressing is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise-based dressings.
- Chill the pasta salad for 30 minutes before serving for better flavor melding.
- Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more color and nutrition.
