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Zesty chicken pasta salad with fresh vegetables and dressing

Zesty Chicken Pasta Salad

A bright and easy weeknight dish combining tender pasta, marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Salad
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Contemporary
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 8 ounces short pasta (penne or fusilli) Choose penne or fusilli to hold dressing well; fresh pasta is unnecessary here and tends to overcook for salads.
  • 2 pieces grilled chicken breasts Marinate briefly for extra flavor and be sure to rest before slicing so juices redistribute and slices stay moist.
Vegetables and Fresh Goods
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced Pick firm cucumbers and remove seeds if watery; zucchini or diced bell peppers work well if cucumbers are out of season.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Use ripe tomatoes for sweetness; if under-ripe, a splash more lemon and honey balances acidity.
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced Soak briefly in cold water to tame sharpness or swap shallots for a subtler bite.
  • 1 piece bell pepper, diced Sweet red or orange peppers add color and crunch.
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Fresh herbs brighten the salad; basil or cilantro change the profile but keep it vibrant.
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil A good oil lifts the dressing; avocado oil is a good neutral swap.
  • 1 piece lemon, juiced Fresh for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Can replace with lemon zest.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Garlic powder is an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Can replace with sugar.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Nutritional yeast can be used for dairy-free.
  • to taste garlic powder For seasoning.
  • to taste paprika For seasoning.
  • to taste Italian seasoning For seasoning.
  • to taste salt For seasoning.
  • to taste pepper For seasoning.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the short pasta until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. While pasta cooks, marinate chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes. Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then rest and slice thinly.
  3. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a jar and shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, parsley, green onions, and grated Parmesan. Add sliced chicken and pour dressing over the top; toss gently to combine.
  2. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld, or serve immediately at room temperature.
  3. Before serving, taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, lemon, or Parmesan.

Notes

This salad is great for meal prep lunches. Keep dressing separate until ready to eat. It stays good for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container.