Best 3 Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a culinary delight with our tantalizing Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad, a vibrant symphony of flavors and textures. This delectable dish combines tender chicken, crisp spinach, colorful bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, succulent sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a medley of herbs, all tossed in a tangy and flavorful dressing. It's a perfect balance of freshness, savoriness, and zest, sure to tantalize your taste buds.

This versatile salad offers a delightful twist to the classic pasta salad, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, summer cookouts, or a quick and healthy lunch. Packed with protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, it's a nutritious meal that satisfies both your cravings and your well-being.

With just a handful of easily accessible ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up this vibrant salad in no time. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey 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

CHICKEN SPINACH PASTA SALAD

Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad image

Since we grow and harvest our own spinach, we use it in lots of dishes. One of our favorite ways to enjoy it is in this pasta salad.-Ruby Pyles, Myersville, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

4 cups torn fresh spinach
4 cups cooked spiral pasta
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
2-1/2 cups sliced celery
2 cups green grapes, halved
1 cup fresh snow peas
1 medium tomato, chopped
3 green onions, sliced
DRESSING:
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped onion

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 212 calories, Fat 10g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 203mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

CHEESY CHICKEN-SPINACH PASTA SALAD

Cheesy Chicken-Spinach Pasta Salad image

Hot summer nights call for cool salads such as this. I created the recipe by accident one day when tossing together whatever ingredients I had on hand.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups uncooked small pasta shells
4 cups baby spinach
2-1/2 cups julienned cooked chicken
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts
DRESSING:
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced chives
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
Dash each garlic powder and cayenne pepper

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse in cold water and drain well. In a large bowl, gently toss the pasta, spinach, chicken, blue cheese and pine nuts. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

Cook pasta al dente: To ensure the pasta retains its shape and texture in the salad, cook it al dente according to the package instructions.
Use fresh baby spinach: Baby spinach has a tender texture and milder flavor, making it ideal for this salad. If using regular spinach, remove the tough stems before adding it to the salad.
Choose a flavorful dressing: The dressing is key to bringing all the flavors together in this salad. Use a store-bought or homemade dressing that complements the other ingredients, such as a creamy Caesar dressing or a tangy vinaigrette.
Add crunch with nuts or seeds: Toasted nuts or seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the salad. Some popular options include almonds, walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
Serve chilled: This chicken spinach pasta salad is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the dressing. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

Chicken spinach pasta salad is a versatile and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light and refreshing meal. With its combination of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, al dente pasta, and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Experiment with different dressing options, add-ins, and toppings to create a salad that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious salad as a main course or side dish, and don't forget to share it with friends and family!