Best 2 Cold Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of Cold Chicken Pasta Salad, a summertime classic that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a tangy dressing, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This versatile dish can be customized to your liking, whether you prefer a creamy or vinaigrette dressing, grilled or rotisserie chicken, and a variety of vegetables such as crisp celery, sweet bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes. With its ease of preparation and customizable nature, Cold Chicken Pasta Salad is a perfect make-ahead meal for picnics, potlucks, and busy weeknights. Discover the step-by-step instructions and variations included in this recipe article to create a delightful Cold Chicken Pasta Salad that will be a hit at your next gathering.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

COLD CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Cold Chicken Pasta Salad image

A very fresh take on pasta salad. Tweak to your liking with different veggies.

Provided by Say-Rah

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 3h21m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

⅓ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
1 ½ tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ tablespoons grated onion
1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
2 ½ cups water
2 cubes chicken bouillon
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
¼ cup chopped onion
1 (8 ounce) package vermicelli pasta, broken into 2-inch pieces
1 (14 ounce) can plain artichoke hearts, quartered
1 pint cherry tomatoes

Steps:

Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, grated onion, seasoned salt, and basil together in a bowl to make dressing. Transfer to the refrigerator.
Combine water and chicken bouillon cubes in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until bouillon cubes are dissolved, about 5 minutes. Add chicken breasts and onion; simmer until chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 45 minutes.
Transfer chicken to a cutting board using a slotted spoon. Reserve broth in the saucepan. Cool chicken until easily handled, 5 to 10 minutes. Chop coarsely.
Pour several cups of water into the reserved broth in the saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir in vermicelli and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Drain.
Mix dressing, chicken, and vermicelli together in a bowl. Add artichoke hearts and toss to combine. Refrigerate until flavors combine, 2 to 6 hours. Mix in tomatoes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373.9 calories, Carbohydrate 39.7 g, Cholesterol 39.2 mg, Fat 14.7 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 898.3 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

ZESTY COLD CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Zesty Cold Chicken Pasta Salad image

A quick, easy, tasty, and colorful chicken pasta salad that looks as great as it tastes. Serve at room temperature or cool for at least 1 hour.

Provided by Krysie

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 23m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package rotini pasta
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
½ teaspoon dried mustard
24 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (15 ounce) can peas, drained
2 (5 ounce) cans chicken packed in water, drained
1 pinch paprika

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Mix mayonnaise, lemon pepper seasoning, and dried mustard together in a large bowl. Mix in cherry tomatoes, peas, and chicken. Fold in rotini. Sprinkle paprika over salad before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 446.7 calories, Carbohydrate 69.3 g, Cholesterol 44 mg, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 27.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 1102.4 mg, Sugar 12.8 g

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your pasta salad. Use ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tender chicken.
Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Let the pasta cool completely before adding it to the salad: This will help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Add the dressing just before serving: This will help keep the salad fresh and prevent the dressing from diluting.
Garnish with fresh herbs or vegetables: A sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or chives will add a pop of color and flavor to your salad.

Conclusion:

Cold chicken pasta salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious salad that will be enjoyed by everyone. So next time you're looking for a light and easy meal, give cold chicken pasta salad a try!