Name: Hearty Chicken Pasta Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces Fusilli Pasta (Any pasta shape works well); 2 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Grilled or rotisserie chicken can be used); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can be used as a substitute); 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust based on dietary needs); 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (Use as per taste preference); ¼ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Use high-quality olive oil for best flavor); 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (Can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar); 1 clove Garlic (minced) (Garlic powder can be used in a pinch); 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (Whole grain mustard is a flavorful alternative); 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Adjust to taste); 6 slices Bacon (Can substitute with turkey bacon or omit); 1 cup Halved Grape Tomatoes (Cherry tomatoes can also be used); 3 cups Fresh Spinach (Arugula or mixed greens are great replacements); ½ cup Crumbled Feta (Goat cheese or mozzarella can work as substitutes); ½ small Red Onion (Soaking in cold water can reduce pungency); 2 tablespoons Freshly Chopped Dill (Parsley or basil can be used as alternatives)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines the heartiness of grilled chicken with the refreshing crunch of fresh vegetables. This Hearty Chicken Pasta Salad with Tangy Mustard Vinaigrette is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners. The combination of fusilli pasta, tender chicken, and a zesty dressing makes this dish a crowd-pleaser and an ideal choice for meal prep. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta Salad

This chicken pasta salad offers numerous benefits that make it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. First, it’s an Easy Chicken Pasta Salad that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Second, it’s a Cold Chicken Pasta Salad option, ideal for warm summer days. Additionally, it’s a Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad packed with protein from chicken and rich in vitamins from fresh vegetables. You can customize it with various add-ins for different flavors, making it versatile and satisfying. Whether served as a main dish or side, this salad is sure to impress!

Hearty Chicken Pasta Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette - Chicken Pasta Salad - main visual representation

Ingredients for Chicken Pasta Salad

Gather these items:

8 ounces Fusilli Pasta (Any pasta shape works well)
2 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Grilled or rotisserie chicken can be used)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can be used as a substitute)
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust based on dietary needs)
1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (Use as per taste preference)
¼ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Use high-quality olive oil for best flavor)
2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (Can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
1 clove Garlic (minced) (Garlic powder can be used in a pinch)
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (Whole grain mustard is a flavorful alternative)
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Adjust to taste)
6 slices Bacon (Can substitute with turkey bacon or omit)
1 cup Halved Grape Tomatoes (Cherry tomatoes can also be used)
3 cups Fresh Spinach (Arugula or mixed greens are great replacements)
½ cup Crumbled Feta (Goat cheese or mozzarella can work as substitutes)
½ small Red Onion (Soaking in cold water can reduce pungency)
2 tablespoons Freshly Chopped Dill (Parsley or basil can be used as alternatives)

How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Using the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy, usually about 5-7 minutes. Stir the bacon occasionally to ensure it crisps evenly. Once ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 minced clove of garlic, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli pasta, chopped chicken, crispy bacon, halved grape tomatoes, fresh spinach, crumbled feta, diced red onion, and freshly chopped dill. Gently stir the ingredients together until well-mixed.
Step 6: Drizzle the prepared mustard vinaigrette over the pasta salad mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 7: You can serve the Chicken Pasta Salad immediately or cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. It can last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Hearty Chicken Pasta Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette - Chicken Pasta Salad - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Pasta Salad

Keep these in mind:

This salad is versatile; you can add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences.
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
For a Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad, add a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Pasta Salad

Here are a few serving ideas:

Serve it as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner.
Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. Learn how to make ciabatta bread to complement your salad.
Enjoy it as a side dish at your next BBQ or picnic.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Pasta Salad

To store, cover the Chicken Pasta Salad and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For meal prep, you can make it ahead of time and keep it in airtight containers. It’s best served cold, so no need to reheat!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pasta Salad

What is Chicken Pasta Salad?

Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish that combines cooked pasta, grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be made in various styles, including Chicken Pasta Salad with Vegetables or Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing.

Can I make Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Chicken Pasta Salad in advance. It actually tastes better after the flavors meld together in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Just keep it covered to maintain freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Pasta Salad?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness. Additionally, use fresh ingredients and adjust the dressing to suit your taste. Experiment with Chicken Pasta Salad variations to keep things interesting!

Variations of Chicken Pasta Salad You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations:

Chicken Pasta Salad with Spinach adds a healthy twist.
Try a Chicken Pasta Salad with Pesto for an aromatic flavor.
For a lighter option, make a Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad by reducing the amount of dressing.
Consider adding fruits like grapes or apples for a sweet touch.