Chicken Pasta Salad
 |
By Alyssa Rivers
on Jan 24, 2017, Updated Jun 19, 2024 |
This chicken pasta salad is a fun twist on the classic sandwich recipe. It’s filled with penne pasta, tender chunks of chicken breast, crunchy pecans, all tossed in a creamy, sweet dressing. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
I love to serve this chicken pasta salad as a side dish for any BBQ or family party. Additionally, other salads I enjoy include this simple California spaghetti salad, bacon ranch pasta salad, and this Greek pasta salad with broccoli.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy pasta salad is not only a delicious meal or side dish but also high in protein. It’s bursting with fresh flavors and quick to prepare, making it an ideal meal prep recipe!
- Protein: Each serving packs 20 grams of protein, helping you meet your nutrition goals while indulging in a pasta salad.
- Flavor: This salad’s combination of al dente pasta, pecans, and refreshing grapes creates a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Additionally, the creamy dressing adds a rich coating that enhances every bite.
Ingredients in Chicken Pasta Salad
I absolutely love this healthy chicken pasta salad recipe! You will want to keep these ingredients on hand to make it over and over. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.
Salad
- Chicken: Provides a hearty protein and savory flavor.
- Penne pasta: Adds a chewy texture and makes the salad more filling.
- Red grapes: Introduce a refreshing sweetness and a burst of flavor. My personal favorite part of the salad.
- Pecans: Offers a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. I also love using cashew pieces.
- Celery: Adds a crisp freshness and crunch with an earthy flavor.
- Green onion: Provides a bite of flavor and adds color.
- Fresh Parsley: Contributes an herbal flavor that enhances the other flavors in the salad.
Dressing
- Mayonaise: Offers a creamy texture and base for the delicious dressing.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright flavor note that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Milk: Thins the dressing to a perfect consistency without losing the flavor.
- Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness that effectively balances the tangy and savory flavors.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a note of sharpness and depth of flavor, which enhances the overall flavor
- Salt & Pepper: By adding a pinch of both salt and pepper you bring out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad
This chicken salad is a twist on my classic Chicken Salad recipe that you put on croissants! Swap out the bread for the pasta and you have this very delicious meal!
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and then rinse with cold water.
- Dressing: Add all of the dressing ingredients to a medium bowl then whisk to combine.
- Combine: Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl, then add the chicken, grapes, pecans, green onions, and parsley.
- Toss: Pour the dressing over the pasta and other ingredients then toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve and enjoy!
Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Add the salad ingredients into a large bowl and toss with the dressing.
Easy Chicken Pasta Salad Variations
There are lots of ways to make this chicken pasta salad how you like it! I have a list of ways to switch up the flavors and ingredients below.
- Mayonnaise Substitutes: Greek yogurt can be a great alternative if you prefer a healthier dressing. It will have the same creamy texture. You can also use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt.
- Pasta: This recipe calls for penne pasta, but you can easily substitute other shapes, such as bowtie or fusilli.
- Nuts: To give the salad a unique twist, experiment with other nuts, such as chopped walnuts, cashews, or pine nuts.
- Vegan-Friendly Option: You can easily make the dressing vegan by using plant-based yogurt and vegan mayonnaise.
- Veggies: Feel free to add or swap vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or red onion to suit your tastes.
Storing Leftovers
Make this chicken pasta salad as a side dish or even for a light dinner! Serve it right away for the best flavor, but you can also store it for leftovers!
- In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or resealable bag for 1-3 days in the fridge.
- Meal Prep: Make this at the beginning of the week and store in individual containers. Then enjoy it as a protein-packed lunch or dinner.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Cook the pasta according to package direction. Drain and then rinse with cold water.
Add all of the dressing ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl. Add the chicken, grapes, pecans, green onions, and parsley
Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat evenly.
Serve and enjoy!
Updated on June 18, 2024
Originally Posted on January 24, 2017
Calories: 676kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 20gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 24gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 374mgPotassium: 369mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 333IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.