Best 2 Chicken And Spinach Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our versatile Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad, a dish that harmoniously blends succulent chicken, vibrant spinach, and tender pasta in a symphony of flavors. This adaptable recipe caters to a variety of dietary preferences, offering both a classic mayonnaise-based dressing and a tangy Greek yogurt alternative. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply seeking a wholesome and satisfying meal, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. As an added bonus, we've included a collection of additional pasta salad recipes to tantalize your taste buds. From a refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad brimming with sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese to a hearty Italian Pasta Salad bursting with artichoke hearts and salami, these recipes are sure to elevate your culinary repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, ignite your culinary passion, and embark on a culinary odyssey that will leave you craving for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHICKEN AND SPINACH PASTA SALAD

Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad image

My family loves pasta salads, but usually they have too much mayonnaise or oily dressing. Using hummus gives this dish a great taste and texture, while also increasing its nutritional profile. Adding chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken works well), makes this pasta salad a complete meal. -Jenny Lynch, Rock Island, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked whole wheat rotini
1/2 cup hummus
3 tablespoons Italian salad dressing
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup cubed cooked chicken breast
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water., Combine hummus, salad dressing, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add pasta; toss to coat. Stir in spinach, chicken, tomatoes and olives. Sprinkle with feta. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges

SPINACH CHICKEN SALAD

Spinach Chicken Salad image

Dazzle your hungry visitors with this crunchy salad. It showcases an interesting mixture of chicken, pasta, spinach and other vegetables. The delectable dressing complements the colorful ingredients. A hearty plateful makes a satisfying entree. -Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

5 cups cubed cooked chicken (about 3 whole breasts)
2 cups green grape halves
1 cup snow peas
2 cups packed torn spinach
2-1/2 cups sliced celery
7 ounces spiral pasta or elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
1 jar (6 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1/2 large cucumber, sliced
3 green onions with tops, sliced
Large spinach leaves and orange slices, optional
DRESSING:
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, peas, spinach, celery, pasta, artichoke hearts, cucumber and green onions. Cover and refrigerate. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate. , Just before serving, whisk dressing and pour over salad; toss to coat. If desired, serve on a spinach leaves and garnish with oranges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313 calories, Fat 16g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 396mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 22g protein.

Tips:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach, chicken, and vegetables will give your pasta salad the best flavor.
Cook the chicken properly: Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the salad. This will help prevent foodborne illness.
Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is the best choice for pasta salad. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and not hold its shape.
Let the pasta salad cool completely before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing.
Use a variety of ingredients: Don't be afraid to add other vegetables, cheeses, or nuts to your pasta salad. This will make it more flavorful and interesting.

Conclusion:

Chicken and spinach pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. With a few simple tips, you can make a pasta salad that is both flavorful and healthy.