chicken salad chick pasta salad recipe

Looking for the perfect dish for your next potluck, barbecue, or even a weeknight dinner? This Chicken Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser that combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fresh veggies all tossed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette. It’s lighter than traditional pasta salads, but just as satisfying—making it the ideal choice for those who want flavor without the heaviness of mayo. Plus, it’s a great meal prep option that stays fresh for days. Say goodbye to boring salads.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 lb fusilli pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups halved grape tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp freshly chopped dill

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Begin by cooking the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Aim for al dente—this will give your salad the perfect texture. Once cooked, drain and transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl to cool.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Bacon:
   While the chicken is cooking, crisp up the bacon in a pan until golden and crunchy. Once done, crumble it into small bits—this will add a savory crunch to your salad.
4. Make the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the acidity or seasoning to your liking—it’s all about the balance!
5. Assemble the Salad:
   Once the pasta is cooled, add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved grape tomatoes, fresh spinach, feta cheese, and red onion. Toss everything together until evenly mixed. Drizzle your dressing over the top and give it one last toss to coat everything in that delicious tangy sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Your Chicken Pasta Salad is ready to serve! It’s perfect as a light lunch, a hearty side dish, or even the main course. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for later!

Storage Tips:

This salad is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just keep in mind that the spinach may wilt a little after being dressed. For best results, enjoy it within 2 days, but it will still taste fresh beyond that.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Chicken Pasta Salad is packed with protein from the chicken and bacon, healthy fats from the olive oil, and fiber from the fresh veggies. Expect around 25-30 grams of protein, 30-35 grams of carbs, and 20-25 grams of fat per serving, depending on your portion size. It’s a satisfying, balanced meal in a bowl!

• Changes and Advice:
• For a Creamier Version: Use a mixture of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with Dijon mustard and a squeeze of lemon juice in place of the mustard vinaigrette if you like a creamier dressing. It’s decadent and rich!
• Lighten It Up: Are you trying to reduce your caloric intake? For a healthy variation, use less dressing or use a lighter pasta, such chickpea spaghetti or zucchini noodles.
• Increase the Veggies: For more taste and texture, feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even roasted sweet potatoes.

Why This Salad Works for Every Occasion:

This Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful and adaptable lunch that you can pack for the week or make for a family gathering or a weekend cookout. It’s light because to the mustard vinaigrette, yet it’s robust enough to fill you up thanks to the bacon and chicken. Additionally, because it stores well, it’s ideal for meal planning; simply store it in the refrigerator to have lunch or supper ready for the entire week.

Final Thoughts:

This Chicken Pasta Salad is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—plus, it’s endlessly customizable to fit your tastes. Make it today and watch it disappear at your next gathering or enjoy it as a satisfying solo meal. It’s sure to impress every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This salad is the perfect combination of fresh ingredients, protein, and tangy dressing, making it ideal for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something satisfying and delicious. Give it a try and discover your new favorite go-to recipe!