Oh, let me tell you about my go-to summer dish: Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken! There’s just something magical about enjoying a bowl of this refreshing salad on a sunny day, especially during picnics or barbecues with friends. It’s so simple yet bursting with flavor that it’s become a staple in my kitchen. I love how the grilled chicken adds that smoky touch, while the fresh veggies keep it light and zesty. Plus, the best part? You can whip it up in no time! It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll be hooked on its freshness and simplicity!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked pasta (any shape you like, penne or rotini work great!)
- 1 cup grilled chicken, sliced (make sure it’s juicy and tender)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for a burst of sweetness)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (adds a nice crunch)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced (for a bit of zing)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is my favorite for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (gives a lovely tang)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy; season it well!)
- Fresh basil for garnish (because everything’s better with basil!)
How to Prepare Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first—let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it to have a bit of bite, so don’t overdo it! Once it’s ready, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help it cool down quickly, which is perfect for our salad!
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Next up is the chicken! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper (maybe a dash of your favorite spices too if you’re feeling adventurous). Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once it’s cooked through, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into nice, juicy pieces. Trust me, this step makes all the difference!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cooled pasta, sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together. I love how colorful this salad looks already—it’s like a feast for the eyes!
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It’s such a simple dressing, but oh-so-delicious! Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste; I like to give it a good whisk until it’s nice and emulsified—just means mixed together really well!
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Finally, pour that lovely dressing over your salad and toss it all together until everything is well-coated. Garnish with fresh basil for that aromatic touch. And there you have it! Serve it up chilled, and watch it disappear—trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken, I love knowing that it’s not just delicious but also a healthy option! That said, keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just a general guideline. For each serving of this delightful salad, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 2g, Unsaturated Fat: 12g)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
So, you can indulge in this pasta salad with grilled chicken without any guilt! It’s packed with protein and fresh ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for a light lunch or dinner.
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my favorite tips to make sure your Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken turns out perfectly every time! First, using chilled ingredients can really enhance the freshness of the salad, so consider chilling your pasta and even the vegetables beforehand. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Another tip? Choose the freshest vegetables you can find. Crisp, vibrant cucumbers and ripe cherry tomatoes will elevate the dish to a whole new level. And don’t skip the resting time—letting the salad sit for about 15-30 minutes after tossing it with the dressing allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. It’s worth the wait! Finally, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste—don’t hesitate to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice if you like your salad with a little extra zing!
Variations of Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken
One of the best things about my Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken is how easily you can mix it up! Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the grilled chicken for some marinated tofu if you want a delightful vegetarian option. It absorbs flavors beautifully!
You can also add in different veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted corn can bring a whole new vibe to the salad. If you’re a fan of cheese, crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella balls add a creamy touch that’s simply irresistible.
And let’s not forget about the dressing! Experimenting with flavors can really elevate your salad. Try swapping balsamic vinegar for lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar for a zesty twist. The world is your oyster—get creative and make this salad your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten salad into an airtight container—this keeps it fresh and prevents any unwanted smells in your fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors for lunches throughout the week!
If you find yourself with a bit of salad left after a picnic, just remember to keep it chilled until you can pop it in the fridge. As for reheating, I actually recommend enjoying it cold, as that’s how the flavors shine. But if you’d prefer it warm, gently microwave it for about 30 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heat. Just be careful not to overheat it; we want to keep that delightful crunch of the veggies intact!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Light and healthy, perfect for a nutritious meal.
- Versatile—easily customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Great for meal prep—make it in advance and enjoy throughout the week.
- Fresh flavors that brighten up any lunch or dinner.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for picnics or gatherings!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Mediterranean Pasta Salad!
Print
Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken: 5 Fresh Reasons to Enjoy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A refreshing pasta salad with grilled chicken, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup grilled chicken, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and let cool.
- Grill chicken until fully cooked, then slice.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add your choice of vegetables for variety.
- Best served chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling and tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken
