Best 8 Zesty Chicken Salad Recipes

Elevate your lunch game with our irresistible Zesty Chicken Salad, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying meal.

The zesty chicken salad shines with its versatility, offering three delectable variations to suit your preferences. The Classic Zesty Chicken Salad is a harmonious blend of shredded chicken, celery, red onion, and a zesty mayonnaise dressing. For a lighter option, try the Greek Zesty Chicken Salad, which incorporates cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing. Craving something with a spicy kick? The Buffalo Zesty Chicken Salad delivers with its combination of shredded chicken, celery, carrots, and a fiery buffalo sauce dressing.

Each salad boasts its unique charm, catering to different palates. The Classic Zesty Chicken Salad offers a timeless appeal with its familiar flavors, while the Greek Zesty Chicken Salad enchants with its Mediterranean flair. The Buffalo Zesty Chicken Salad ignites your senses with its bold and spicy profile.

No matter your choice, these Zesty Chicken Salads promise a delightful culinary experience. They're perfect for weekday lunches, light dinners, or even as a refreshing side dish. Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients, these salads are sure to become your go-to meal prep option.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

ZESTY CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Zesty Chicken Pasta Salad image

Combining the coolness of a salad and the zesty seasonings of pizza, this salad is perfect for a summer get together. Megan Moore, Memphis, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) tricolor spiral pasta
2 cups cubed part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 large sweet red pepper, chopped
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
6 green onions, sliced
1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni, halved
1/2 cup canola oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain well. In a large serving bowl, combine the cheese, chicken, peppers, mushrooms, olives, green onions, pepperoni and pasta. , In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Toss before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300 calories, Fat 17g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 415mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

ZESTY CHICKEN SALAD

Zesty Chicken Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless and diced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 lime, juiced
1 jalapeno, minced and seeded
Tabasco sauce
1 bunch fresh cilantro
3 large lettuce leaves
1/2 tomato, diced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced

Steps:

In large bowl combine chicken, red pepper and onion. In small bowl mix mayonnaise and lime juice. Add jalapeno. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of tabasco sauce. Drizzle over chicken mixture and toss to coat. Snip cilantro over chicken and mound chicken mixture on lettuce. Garnish with tomato and black olives. Serve.

ZESTY CHICKEN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD - STARBUCKS COPYCAT

Zesty Chicken and Black Bean Salad - Starbucks Copycat image

I've created my favorite Starbucks salad at home! I can enjoy it any time and not pay the high price! Enjoy!

Provided by thatgirlcancook

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 4 hearty salads, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

3 teaspoons double concentrate tomato paste (in the tube)
3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
6 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 teaspoons minced basil leaves
salt and pepper
4 cups cooked quinoa
8 cups mixed salad greens
20 grape tomatoes
2 cups black beans, divided
1 cup roasted corn, divided
1 cup jicama, julienned and divided
1/2 cup feta cheese, divided
2 cups cooked chicken breasts, sliced

Steps:

Place first 7 ingredients into a cruet or shaker.
Shake until well blended. Set aside.
Divide quinoa onto individual plates or bowls.
Divide salad greens and layer on top of quinoa.
Divide tomatoes, black beans, corn, jicama, and feta cheese on top of each salad.
Layer sliced chicken breast on top.
Drizzle with salad dressing.
Enjoy!

ZESTY CHICKEN PASTA SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY

Zesty Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: bowtie pasta, shredded chicken, cucumber, celery, black olive, cherry tomatoes, carrot, italian dressing

Provided by Claire Nolan

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup bowtie pasta, cooked
½ cup shredded chicken
¼ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup celery, diced
¼ cup black olive, sliced
6 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
½ cup carrot, julienned
3 tablespoons italian dressing

Steps:

In a bowl, combine pasta, chicken, cucumber, celery, black olives, sliced tomatoes, carrots, and Italian dressing.
Mix well and pour pasta salad into a reusable container. Pack with fruits and veggies for sides.
Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 963 calories, Carbohydrate 142 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 46 grams, Sugar 15 grams

ZESTY CHICKEN PASTA SALAD RECIPE - (5/5)

Zesty Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - (5/5) image

Provided by WeBHeelin_50

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 pkgs Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad "Classic" Pasta Salad
2 12.5oz cans premium white chunk chicken meat, drained
1 16oz bottle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
4-5 seeded, diced Roma tomatoes
1 can Garbanzo Bean (Chick Peas), drained
1 small can sliced black olives, diced
1 can sliced water chestnuts
1 med Red Onion, diced
1 large English Seedless Cucumber, de-pulped and diced
1 5oz container of grated Parmesan Cheese

Steps:

Cook pasta according to directions on package While waiting on water to boil, in a large Tupperware container: Add entire bottle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing, seasoning from pasta kit along with around 2.5oz of the extra grated Parmesan that you purchased. Whisk together until fully incorporated. Add chicken and whisk together until chicken is completely broken up. Add diced Roma tomatoes, onion, olives, water chestnuts, Cucumber, Garbanzo beans. Drain pasta, incorporate in Tupperware container with other ingredients. Garnish with remaining Parmesan Cheese. Eat right away or chill.

ZESTY CHICKEN TACO RICE SALAD

Zesty Chicken Taco Rice Salad image

Make and share this Zesty Chicken Taco Rice Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Sky Valley Cook

Categories Chicken Breast

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons oil
1 (13 1/4 ounce) can ready-to-serve chicken broth
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 ounce taco seasoning mix
1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
1 medium red peppers or 1 medium green pepper, diced
1 1/2 cups Minute Rice
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
tortilla chips

Steps:

Cook chicken in hot oil in large skillet until lightly browned.
Stir in broth, tomato sauce, seasoning mix, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 5 minutes.
Stir in corn and pepper, and bring to a boil.
Stir in rice.
Cover and remove from heat.
Let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork.
Serve with cheese and tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 524.3, Fat 15.5, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 81.6, Sodium 1067.5, Carbohydrate 57.6, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 6.8, Protein 40.5

ZESTY CHICKEN SALAD

Zesty Chicken Salad image

This light dish has a crunchy texture and a flavorful ginger-lime dressing.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Chicken Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
4 ounces thinly sliced cooked chicken breast, (1 cup)
1/2 red bell pepper, (ribs and seeds removed), thinly sliced lengthwise into 2-inch strips
2 ounces snow peas, ends trimmed, thinly sliced lengthwise (1/2 cup)
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced crosswise

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine oil, lime juice, soy sauce, and ginger; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small airtight container; set aside.
Combine chicken, bell pepper, snow peas, and carrot in a separate airtight container.
Refrigerate chicken salad and dressing separately until ready to serve, up to overnight. Just before serving, toss salad with dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 g, Fat 18 g, Protein 38 g

Tips:

Use a variety of fresh, crisp vegetables for a vibrant and flavorful salad. Colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, celery, and radishes add visual appeal and nutritional value.
Grate the chicken or poach it in flavorful broth for a tender and juicy texture. Shredded chicken is ideal for easy mixing and even distribution throughout the salad.
Use a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy dressing. Greek yogurt adds a healthy boost of protein and probiotics while maintaining a smooth and creamy texture.
Add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon for an extra layer of flavor and freshness. Herbs brighten up the salad and complement the other ingredients perfectly.
Season the salad generously with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the overall taste and balance the flavors.
Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later. If refrigerating, bring it to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

The Zesty Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that offers a refreshing and satisfying meal. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and zesty seasonings, this salad is a perfect choice for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a vibrant addition to your next potluck. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a favorite among home cooks and salad enthusiasts alike. Enjoy this zesty and flavorful creation!