Go Back
–+ servings
Chicken Pasta Salad

Zesty Chicken Pasta Salad for Refreshing Summer Days

This Chicken Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing meal perfect for summer BBQs, combining grilled chicken, colorful veggies, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Pasta any shape; whole wheat or gluten-free can be used
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breast boneless, grilled
  • 1 medium Cucumber diced
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes quartered
  • 0.5 medium Red Onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper sliced; mix colors for aesthetic
  • 0.5 cup Chopped Parsley fresh
  • 2 stalks Green Onions chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika smoked paprika for depth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper freshly ground
For the Lemon Herb Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard or yellow mustard
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup, use agave for vegan
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated; use nutritional yeast for vegan

Equipment

  • grill
  • large pot
  • Jar
  • colander
  • large bowl

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. In a jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Seal and shake until emulsified.
  2. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Grill on medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked.
  3. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  4. Chop cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Soak onion in water for milder flavor if desired.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped veggies, grilled chicken, and parsley. Drizzle with lemon dressing and toss gently.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Serve chilled for best flavor. Customize with additional ingredients as desired.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!