As a mother of two with a hectic schedule, I constantly look for quick and easy recipes that everyone in my family will like.

During the summertime, my go-to option is delicious chicken pasta salads perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.

When I desire lighter and fresher flavors, the perfect choice is the tasty and simple-to-prepare chicken pasta salads. In this article, we will provide delicious and easy pasta salad recipes that will also become a favorite among your loved ones. Let’s begin.

1- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad 

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious dish that combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with pasta.

This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, offering a balanced, tasty, and visually appealing meal. With its combination of tender chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing, it’s no wonder this salad has become a popular choice for many.

This pasta salad brings together familiar ingredients and provides a healthy option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without excessive calories.

The protein from the chicken, the carbs from the pasta, and the nutrients from the greens make it a well-rounded dish. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit individual tastes, making it ideal for meal prep or gatherings.

Ingredients

– 1 ½ cups pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli, or farfalle)

– 2 cups chopped lettuce

– 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast

– ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

– ¼ cup Caesar dressing (see below for homemade recipe)

– 1 tsp Dijon mustard

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Homemade Caesar Dressing:

– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

– 1 tbsp olive oil

– 1 tsp garlic, minced

– 1 egg yolk

– 1 tsp Dijon mustard

– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions 

1- To prepare the pasta, heat a large pot of salted water until it boils.

Prepare the pasta as per the directions on the packaging until it is cooked to a firm texture. Drain and put to the side.

2- Take the cutting board and finely chop the lettuce,  Parmesan cheese, and the cooked chicken breast into small pieces.

3- To prepare the Caesar dressing blend together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, egg yolk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until well combined.

4- Mix cooked pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, diced chicken breast, and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl.

5- Drizzle the homemade Caesar dressing over the salad and mix everything.

6- Add salt, pepper, and more Parmesan cheese, if preferred. Consume right away and enjoy the taste!

Variations 

1- Grill the chicken breast first, then chop it up and mix it into the salad.

2- Cook chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes) in the oven and include them in the salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

– Calories: 450-500

– Protein: 40g

– Fat: 24g

– Saturated fat: 6g

– Cholesterol: 60mg

– Carbohydrates: 35g

– Fiber: 4g

– Sugar: 5g

– Sodium: 450mg

2.  Curry Chicken Salad 

The idea of adding curry into a pasta salad was something I had never considered until I tried it at a friend’s barbecue.

The result was a yummy mixture of flavors that captivated me. Since then, I have been experimenting with different curry pasta salad recipes, and I am excited to share my favorite one with you.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced

– ½ cup celery, diced

– ½ cup onion, diced

– ¼ cup mayonnaise

– 2 tbsp curry powder

– 1 tsp Dijon mustard

– ½ tsp salt

– ¼ tsp black pepper

– ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander (optional)

– ¼ cup diced apple (optional)

– ¼ cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Take a large bowl and combine the diced chicken breast, celery, and onion.

2. In another separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, curry powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.

4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. 

6. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh coriander diced apple, and raisins if desired.

7. Serve on a whole-grain bread or bed of lettuce. 

Variations:

-Add 1-2 tsp of sriracha sauce or hot sauce to the dressing for an extra kick.

– Add ½ cup of diced pineapple and ¼ cup of chopped fresh mint to the salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

– Calories: 360

– Protein: 30g

– Fat: 20g

– Saturated fat: 3.5g

– Cholesterol: 60mg

– Carbohydrates: 20g

– Fiber: 2g

– Sugar: 5g

– Sodium: 350mg

3. Chicken Salad Chick’s Grape Salad

Ingredients 

-2 cups of red grapes that have been cut in half

-1 cup of green grapes that have been cut in half

-1/4  cup of granulated sugar/brown sugar

-2 tablespoons of vinegar 

-1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

-1 cup cream cheese 

-¼ cup of chopped pecans/ chopped almonds (optional)

Instructions 

1- Add the cream cheese to a bowl and beat it for at least 2 minutes. 

2- Now add sugar, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the cream and mix thoroughly.

3- Add the halved grapes to the bowl and mix them to ensure they are covered with the mixture.

4- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes for the flavors to mix well.

5- Right before serving, scatter the diced pecans/ chopped almonds on top of the grape salad, and enjoy your salad.

6- Give the salad a toss to distribute the toppings. It’s ready to be served. Enjoy your delicious homemade Grape Salad from Chicken Salad Chick!

Variations

Adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for more flavor.

A few chopped mint leaves for a rejuvenating touch.

A small amount of honey, maybe one or two tablespoons, to add a hint of sweetness.

Nutritional Information 

1. Caloric content: 120 calories
2. Fat content: 2 grams
3. Zero grams of saturated fat.
4. cholesterol: 0mg
5. 5mg of Sodium
6. 30 grams of carbohydrates.
7. Dietary fiber content: 2 grams
8. Quantity of sugar: 20 grams
9. Protein content: 1 gram

Chicken Salad Chick’s Grape Salad is a very famous side dish and it is paired mostly with the chicken salads.

4. Cold Chicken Pasta Salad

Cold Chicken Pasta Salad is a very light and refreshing dish perfect for your lunch. This salad is a combination of creaminess of mayo,  Dijon mustard, and chicken, all tied together making it a perfect blend for your kids also. 

Ingredients

– 8 oz. Pasta of your choice (e.g., bow tie, penne, tortellini or rotini)

– 1 lb. Cooked chicken breast, diced

– ½ cup mayonnaise

– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

– ½ tsp salt

– ¼ tsp black pepper

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup cucumber, sliced

– ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

– ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1- Take the saucepan, fill it with water, and place it on a medium flame. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon oil in the water. After mixing with the spoon add the pasta in the water.

2- Bring the water to boil until pasta is soft, drain it properly and let it cool. 

3- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.

4- Add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to the bowl. Stir until everything is well coated with the dressing.

5- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of the salad and stir gently to combine.

6- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7- Serve the salad chilled, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Variations

For Greek flavour add ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, ¼ cup Kalamata olives chopped, and 1 tsp dried oregano to the salad.

Add ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, ¼ cup sliced red bell pepper, and 2 tbsp soy sauce to the salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

– Calories: 420

– Protein: 35g

– Fat: 24g

– Saturated Fat: 4g

– Cholesterol: 60mg

– Carbohydrates: 25g

– Fiber: 2g

– Sugar: 5g

– Sodium: 3350mg

5. Pesto Pasta Salad recipe

If you are Italian-food lover then you are going to love this. It is an Italian-inspired dish.

This pasta is a combination of basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick and easy lunch.

Ingredients

– 8 oz. Pasta of your choice (e.g., bow tie, penne, or rotini)

– ½ cup freshly made pesto (see below for recipe)

-1 cup diced grilled chicken 

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup cucumber, sliced

– ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted

– ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

*Fresh Pesto Recipe

– 2 cups fresh basil leaves

– 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)

– ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

– ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta as per the instructions given on the package. Drain the soft pasta and let it cool by setting it aside. 

2.  Take a small bowl and prepare pesto by adding all the ingredients for fresh pesto. 

3. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the freshly made pesto.

4. Take another bowl and combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and Kalamata olives.

4. Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta mixture and toss the mixture well. 

5. Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad and gently toss to mix it. 

6. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Cover the bowl for 15 minutes or refrigerate it.

8. Just before serving, garnish with oregano or fresh basil.

Variations

-Add 1 cup roasted vegetables (like zucchini or bell peppers) to the salad according to your own preference and taste.

*Nutritional Information (per serving)*

– Calories: 520

– Protein: 20g

– Fat: 32g

– Saturated Fat: 8g

– Cholesterol: 20mg

– Carbohydrates: 40g

– Fiber: 4g

– Sugar: 6g

– Sodium: 400mg

 5. Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

If you just love the bold flavours of Southwest then you are at the right place. Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad, is a perfect combination of chicken, veggies, pasta, and zesty dressing.  I am just obsessed with this and without any delay let me share my recipe with you.

Ingredients

– 2 cup pasta of your own choice.

– 2 cups properly cooked and diced chicken breast.

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut into half 

– 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

– 2 tbsp olive oil

– 1 tsp ground cumin

– 1 tsp smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (optional)

Instructions

1- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is soft, drain it and let it cool.

2- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices (e.g., cumin, chili powder, paprika).

Grill chicken for 7 to 10 minutes per side. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or dicing.

3- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, and diced red bell pepper.

4- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

5- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.

6- Stir in the chopped cilantro and crumbled queso fresco (if using). 

7- Serve the salad chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Variations

Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the salad for an extra kick of heat.

For nutrient-packed meal, you can add freshly chopped spinach or diced zucchini. 

Nutritional Information (per serving)

– Calories: 420

– Protein: 35g

– Fat: 20g

– Saturated Fat: 3.5g

– Cholesterol: 60mg

– Carbohydrates: 30g

– Fiber: 5g

– Sugar: 5g

– Sodium: 350mg 

6. Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a potluck, or a light lunch at home. The combination of roasted vegetables adds depth and sweetness, while the pasta provides a satisfying base that makes this dish both filling and nutritious.

You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and dressings to suit your taste preferences.

This dish is not only a great way to use up seasonal produce but also a fantastic option for meal prep, as it keeps well in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. W

Ingredients 

– 2 cup rotini pasta

– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced

– 2 medium bell peppers, sliced

– ½  cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup cooked chicken, diced

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

– 1 tsp. dried basil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven on medium to high flame for 10 to 15 minutes. 

2. In a large bowl, add chopped bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and the sliced zucchini with 2 tbsp. olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.

3. Now place the tossed vegetables on a baking sheet In the form of a single layer. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and light brown.

4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices (e.g., cumin, chili powder, paprika).

Grill chicken for 7 to 10 minutes per side. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or dicing.

4. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until it get soft , drain the pasta and set aside to let it cool.

5. Take the large bowl and add the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and grilled diced chicken. 

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tbsp. olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and dried basil.

7.  Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.

8.  Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or chilled, topped with grated Parmesan cheese or feta cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 420

Protein: 35g

Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 3.5g

Cholesterol: 60mg

Carbohydrates: 30g

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 8g

Sodium: 350mg

7. Caprese Pasta Salad

Ingredients

– 2 cups  Bowtie pasta

– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

– 8 oz. Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

– ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

– 2 tbsp. Balsamic vinegar

– 1 tsp. Dried basil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the instructions given on the package. Boil it till it get soft and tender. Drain it and set aside.
2. Take a large bowl and add cooked pasta, sliced cheese and cherry tomatoes.
3. In another bowl prepare the dressing by mixing balsamic vinegar, dried basil and olive oil. 
4. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and mix it to combine.
5. Season the salad by adding salt and pepper according to your taste. 
6. While serving garnish it with fresh basil leaves

Variations 

Add grilled fish for extra protein add flavor

 Use different types of cheese and pasta to give it a different taste.

*Nutritional Information (per serving)*

– Calories: 380

– Protein: 20g

– Fat: 18g

– Saturated Fat: 8g

– Cholesterol: 30mg

– Carbohydrates: 35g

– Fiber: 2g

– Sugar: 6g

– Sodium: 250mg