Go Back
As the sun shines brighter and the temperatures rise, many of us find ourselves yearning for light and refreshing meals that can be enjoyed outdoors. Pasta salads, in particular, have become a staple during the warmer months, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and nutritious. Among the myriad of pasta salad recipes available, the Chilled Chicken Pasta Salad stands out as a favorite for gatherings, picnics, and meal prep. This dish is not only easy to prepare but can also be customized to suit various tastes, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Chilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Looking for a light and refreshing dish this summer? Try this Chilled Chicken Pasta Salad, perfect for picnics and gatherings. Loaded with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and flavorful dressing, it's both satisfying and nutritious. With easy prep steps, you can customize it to your taste by adding herbs, cheese, or swapping in different proteins. Enjoy a delicious meal that keeps you energized and feeling great all season long!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta

1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or rotisserie is ideal)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumbers, diced

½ cup red bell pepper, diced

½ cup black olives, sliced

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set the drained pasta aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, wash and prep your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumbers and red bell pepper, and slice the black olives into thin rounds. Finally, finely chop the red onion to ensure a balanced flavor distribution in the salad.

      Combine Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell pepper, black olives, and red onion. Stir to ensure everything is well mixed.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Scrape in the chopped basil and season generously with salt and pepper. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it in at this stage for enhanced flavor.

          Mix Well: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold the ingredients together. Ensure that the dressing evenly coats every component of your salad.

            Chill: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place the salad in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

              Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch. Serve chilled and enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors of your chicken pasta salad!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 6 servings