Go Back
–+ servings
Chicken Pasta Salad

Delicious Chicken Pasta Salad for Hearty Weeknight Meals

This Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal perfect for busy nights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts You can swap it for rotisserie chicken if needed.
  • 4 slices Bacon Feel free to substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter dish.
  • 2 cups Grape tomatoes Halved; cherry tomatoes work as well.
  • 2 cups Spinach Packed; mix with arugula or other greens if desired.
  • ½ cup Feta cheese Crumbled; goat cheese is a good alternative.
  • ¼ Red onion Thinly sliced; shallots can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh dill Chopped; parsley is a substitute.
  • 8 oz Fusilli pasta Cook until al dente for the best texture.
For the Dressing
  • ¼ cup Extra-virgin olive oil Use cold-pressed for the best flavor.
  • 3 tbsp Red wine vinegar Apple cider vinegar can serve as a substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Yellow mustard can replace it if needed.
  • Garlic powder Swap with fresh minced garlic for a bolder taste.
  • Kosher salt Adjust according to your taste.
  • Freshly ground black pepper Freshly ground offers better flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and cool on a baking sheet.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook in a skillet with olive oil for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest for 10 minutes, then chop.
  3. In the same skillet, cook bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then crumble.
  4. Whisk together dressing ingredients in a separate bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, spinach, feta, onion, and dill. Pour dressing over and toss until well mixed.
  6. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Dressed spinach may wilt quickly, so store the dressing separately when possible.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!