Best 2 Summertime Chicken And Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our tantalizing Summertime Chicken and Pasta Salad, a delightful dish that captures the essence of summer. This vibrant salad boasts a medley of juicy grilled chicken, tender pasta, a rainbow of crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing that awakens your taste buds. Dive into the freshness of cherry tomatoes, the crunch of celery, the sweetness of red onion, and the savory notes of Kalamata olives. The combination of textures and flavors creates a harmonious experience that will leave you craving more. But that's not all; this article also features a collection of equally enticing recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and occasions.

**Explore the delectable offerings:**

- **Tuscan Kale Salad**: Embark on a culinary journey to Tuscany with this vibrant kale salad, featuring a burst of flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing.

- **Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad**: Experience a zesty twist on classic pasta salad with a tangy lemon dressing, complemented by a medley of fresh herbs, briny capers, and a hint of Dijon mustard.

- **Summer Quinoa Salad**: Discover a delightful fusion of flavors in this quinoa salad, where fluffy quinoa mingles with roasted vegetables, fresh berries, and a tangy balsamic dressing.

- **Caprese Pasta Salad**: Relish the flavors of Italy with this Caprese-inspired pasta salad, combining ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella in a light and refreshing dressing.

- **Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad**: Immerse yourself in a creamy and flavorful haven with this pesto pasta salad, where tender pasta is coated in a luscious pesto sauce, complemented by the richness of cream cheese and the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ITALIAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Italian Chicken Pasta Salad image

This Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is easy, ready in 20 minutes, and showcases some of my favorite summer ingredients. It's perfect for summer potlucks and BBQs, or as a no-fuss family dinner!

Provided by Averie Sunshine

Categories 30-Minute Meals

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

12 ounces rotini pasta, cooked according to package directions (I used tri-color rotini)
2 tablespoons olive oil for sauce + 1 tablespoon for cooking chicken
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional and to taste
1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper
1 cup Roma tomatoes, diced*
1 cup fresh basil leaves (laid loosely in measuring cup), sliced thinly
1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, or more if desired

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, place in a large bowl, and set aside.
To a medium bowl or large measuring cup, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice (zest the lemon before juicing it), apple cider vinegar, honey, Italian seasoning, lemon lest, salt, pepper, and whisk to combine; set sauce aside.
To a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, add chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, flipping intermittently so all sides cook evenly. Cooking time will vary based on thickness of chicken breasts and sizes of pieces. Chicken should be about 90% cooked through.
Add the sauce and allow it to bubble at a medium-fast boil for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until sauce has reduced some and chicken is cooked through. Stir sauce and flip chicken intermittently throughout. Add chicken and any cooking liquid to the pasta bowl.
Add the tomatoes, basil, cucumber, cheese, and toss gently to combine. Taste and check for seasoning balance, making any necessary adjustments (more Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, pinch of cayenne, splash of lemon juice, etc.) before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 558 calories, Carbohydrate 44 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 134 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 17 grams fat, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 55 grams protein, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 1634 milligrams sodium, Sugar 13 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams unsaturated fat

GRILLED CHICKEN BOW TIE PASTA SALAD

Grilled Chicken Bow Tie Pasta Salad image

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package Farfalle pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and cubed)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
4 ounces Colby Jack cheese (cubed)
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced olives (drained)
1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian dressing
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Cook pasta as directed on package, adding broccoli to the cooking water for the last 2 minutes; drain.
Toss chicken pieces, tomatoes, pepper, cheese, olives and dressing together in a large bowl.
Add pasta and broccoli, toss lightly.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh summer vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful pasta are essential.
Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding it. This will make it easier to handle and prevent it from falling apart.
If you're using a store-bought dressing, taste it before adding it to the salad. You may want to adjust the amount or add additional seasonings to suit your taste.
Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor.

Conclusion:

This Summertime Chicken and Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer party or potluck. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful pasta, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.