Best 2 Quick Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our quick chicken pasta salad, a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. This versatile dish, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend brunches, combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, a medley of crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together. With variations ranging from a classic creamy Caesar dressing to a refreshing lemon-herb vinaigrette, this salad offers a customizable taste experience that caters to every preference. Join us as we embark on a culinary adventure, exploring the diverse flavors and textures that make this chicken pasta salad an irresistible treat.

**Recipe 1: Classic Creamy Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad**
A timeless classic, this recipe features a rich and velvety Caesar dressing, made from scratch with mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic. Tossed with succulent grilled chicken, cooked pasta, crunchy romaine lettuce, and a sprinkling of croutons, this salad embodies the essence of creamy indulgence.

**Recipe 2: Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta Salad**
Bursting with freshness, this recipe combines the vibrant flavors of lemon, herbs, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The dressing, a delightful balance of tangy and savory, complements the tender chicken, cooked pasta, crisp bell peppers, and a medley of mixed greens. This salad is a refreshing twist on the traditional chicken pasta salad, perfect for light and flavorful meals.

**Recipe 3: Greek Chicken Pasta Salad**
Inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, this recipe showcases a zesty dressing made with Greek yogurt, feta cheese, olive oil, and a blend of aromatic herbs. Tossed with succulent grilled chicken, cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this salad is a delightful fusion of Greek flavors and textures.

**Recipe 4: Asian Chicken Pasta Salad**
Embark on a culinary journey to the Far East with this Asian-inspired chicken pasta salad. The dressing, a harmonious blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of ginger, adds a delightful umami flavor. Combined with tender chicken, cooked pasta, crunchy snow peas, and red bell peppers, this salad offers a unique and flavorful twist on the classic chicken pasta salad.

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

QUICK AND EASY GARDEN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Quick and Easy Garden Chicken Pasta Salad image

An extremely easy pasta salad from Kraft Foods. You can substitute or add any other ingredients you like. I sometimes add cubed mozzarella, Parmesan and fresh chicken. I'm making it today with cheese tortellini. This is my potluck "staple" in the summertime. Time does not include chill time.

Provided by HEP MEP

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 20m

Yield 10 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 cups rotini pasta (8 oz.) or 3 cups pasta, of your choice cooked and drained (8 oz.)
2 cups broccoli florets, lightly blanched
1 1/2 cups three cheese ranch dressing or 1 1/2 cups regular ranch dressing
1 (6 ounce) package cooked chicken breasts, cuts or chopped red pepper
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup slivered onion

Steps:

  • Toss all ingredients and refrigerate.
  • Can be made up to 2 days ahead.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.
  • Can be easily doubled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 336.7, Fat 20.6, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 24, Sodium 362.5, Carbohydrate 27, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 2.5, Protein 10.2

QUICK CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Quick Chicken Pasta Salad image

For a quick and easy side to take to a get-together or potluck, try this pasta salad. It is also a great way to use leftover chicken.-Alice Schoon, Henning, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups uncooked medium shell pasta
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables, cooked and drained
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 bottle (8 ounces) ranch salad dressing
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse in cold water and drain. Cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, mixed vegetables, celery and onion. In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, salt, dill and pepper. Stir into pasta mixture. Stir in cheese. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 348 calories, Fat 16g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 50mg cholesterol, Sodium 371mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

Tips:

  • Use leftover chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a budget-friendly and time-saving option.
  • Choose the right pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or bow-tie work well in this salad. They hold the dressing and other ingredients well.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta has a slight bite to it, which is ideal for pasta salad. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when chilled.
  • Let the pasta cool completely: Before adding the pasta to the salad, let it cool completely. This will prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Use a light and flavorful dressing: A simple vinaigrette or a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt are both good options for this salad. Avoid using heavy dressings, as they can weigh down the salad.
  • Add your favorite vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this salad, such as chopped celery, carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
  • Serve immediately or chill: This salad can be served immediately or chilled for later. If you chill the salad, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

This quick chicken pasta salad is a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. It is packed with flavor and can be customized to your liking. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, this salad is sure to become a family favorite.

Related Topics