If you’re looking for a vibrant and satisfying dish that never fails to impress, this Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with fresh herbs, colorful veggies, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a delightful celebration of textures and flavors all tossed in a tangy, homemade dressing. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving a wholesome meal, this recipe combines simplicity with incredible taste that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl in the center filled with raw pale pink sliced chicken pieces. Around it, there are several white bowls and containers: at the top left is a bowl full of fresh green leafy arugula, next to it on the right is a bowl with yellow spiral pasta, and to their right is a small dish with red chili flakes. Below the chili flakes is a small bowl of golden honey, and to its left, a bowl with white grated cheese. To the right of the cheese is a bottle of clear yellow olive oil, next to a small bunch of fresh green herbs on the white marbled surface. Below the chicken bowl is a white bowl full of small, shiny, bright red cherry tomatoes. On the bottom left, there is a bowl with green olives, nearby three white garlic cloves, and a whole red onion to the left of the yellow bell pepper. A pepper grinder and salt container are positioned in the lower left corner. The white marbled texture background adds a clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe plays an essential role—from the juicy chicken breasts adding heartiness, to the bright cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs that bring flavor and color. Together, they create a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious and satisfying.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein, sliced into strips for tender bites and easy mixing.
Olive Oil: Helps to marinate and cook the chicken, adding moisture and richness.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh and minced, garlic infuses the chicken and dressing with savory depth.
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
Dry Penne or Fusilli Pasta: Whole grain or gluten-free options work wonderfully here, offering hearty texture.
Chopped Fresh Thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy herbal note that brightens the dish.
Fresh Chopped Oregano: Brings an aromatic, slightly sweet flavor essential to the salad’s personality.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved to release their juicy burst, providing freshness and color.
Yellow Bell Pepper: Thinly sliced for crunch and a mild sweetness that contrasts beautifully.
Green Olives: Sliced in half to add delightful briny tang and texture.
Red Onion: Thickly sliced for a sharp bite and vibrant color contrast.
Ground Parmesan Cheese: A nutty, salty finish that ties the salad together perfectly.
Arugula: Packed and roughly chopped, it delivers a peppery green note and freshness.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the luscious base of the dressing, lending richness and silkiness.
White Wine Vinegar: Adds just the right level of acidity to balance flavors.
Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that mellows the tang and rounds out the dressing.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch to introduce a gentle kick of heat, customizable to taste.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by combining the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Setting this aside early allows all those vibrant flavors to meld beautifully while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Next, cook your dry penne or fusilli pasta in boiling salted water just until al dente, following the package’s instructions. Drain it well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad. Transferring the pasta to a large mixing bowl now gives you a perfect vessel for combining everything later without crowding the pan.

Step 3: Slice and Season the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts crosswise into half-inch strips to ensure each bite is tender and perfectly sized. Toss these pieces into a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, fresh thyme, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mixing these flavors into the chicken before cooking guarantees that every strip soaks up the herbal notes and seasoning.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s cooked through and golden on the edges. The caramelization builds a wonderful texture and depth, making the chicken shine in the salad.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients and Toss

Transfer the cooked chicken, along with the pan juices, into the bowl with the cooled pasta. Add the bright yellow bell pepper slices, thick red onion, juicy halved cherry tomatoes, green olives, ground Parmesan cheese, and chopped arugula. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients in that tangy, aromatic dressing.

Step 6: Season and Chill or Serve

Give the salad a final taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. This Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe can be served warm straight away to enjoy the melding of textures or chilled for a refreshing treat on a warm day. Both ways are winners!

How to Serve Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

A wooden bowl holds five distinct layers of ingredients arranged side by side: on the left is a pile of fresh, dark green arugula leaves with a fork resting on top, next to it are grilled chicken strips in light golden brown with char marks, followed by a heap of halved cherry tomatoes in bright red with a sprinkle of herbs and spices, then diced yellow bell peppers adding a vibrant yellow color, and finally thinly sliced red onions with a pale purple hue on the right side; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil adds an instant burst of freshness, while extra ground Parmesan can boost the savory richness. A few lemon wedges on the side bring zing and an inviting presentation, encouraging everyone to customize their bites.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp green garden salad or crusty bread to round out a meal, making it perfect for a summer picnic or a casual dinner. Grilled vegetables or a light soup also complement the flavors and textures without overwhelming them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, try layering this salad in clear glass jars for lunch on the go or assembling it atop individual lettuce leaves for an elegant appetizer twist. The colorful ingredients lend themselves readily to creative plating that impresses both the eyes and the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors further develop as it rests, making the next day’s serving just as delightful. Just be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving again.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, as freezing can affect the texture of the pasta and the crispness of the vegetables. For optimal taste and texture, avoid freezing the complete salad. You can freeze cooked chicken separately if needed.

Reheating

If you prefer your salad warm, gently reheat only the chicken portions in a skillet or microwave, then toss with the rest of the salad ingredients fresh. Avoid heating the entire salad to keep the fresh veggies and dressing from wilting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne or fusilli hold the dressing well, you can experiment with bowties, rotini, or farfalle. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep the pasta al dente.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Definitely. Simply omit the chicken and add protein-rich extras like chickpeas, roasted tofu, or grilled vegetables to keep it hearty and nutritious.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe up to a day ahead. Keep the dressing separate until the last moment if you want to preserve the crisp texture of the veggies.

What can I substitute for fresh herbs?

If you only have dried herbs on hand, reduce the quantity to about one third since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. You can also use Italian seasoning as a handy alternative.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to customize.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that brings comfort without heaviness, making it a standout option for any occasion. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor and fresh ingredients that your whole family will enjoy. Give it a try soon—I promise it’ll become one of your treasured go-to meals!