Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish: cold chicken spinach pasta salad! It’s the kind of salad that just screams “refreshing” and is perfect for those sunny days when you want something light but satisfying. I remember whipping this up for a picnic with friends last summer, and we couldn’t get enough of it! The combination of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and the tangy dressing is just divine. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making it a go-to for any gathering. Trust me, this cold chicken spinach pasta salad will become your new summer staple!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (I love using rotini or penne for that perfect bite!)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders here!)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (Make sure it’s nice and bright green—so fresh!)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (They add a pop of color and sweetness!)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (For that zingy crunch—yum!)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (This is the creamy goodness you don’t want to skip!)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (Extra virgin is my go-to for flavor!)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (Freshly squeezed makes a world of difference!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Just a pinch of each to balance the flavors!)
How to Prepare Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad
Now, let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful cold chicken spinach pasta salad! It’s super simple and comes together in no time. I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is!
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 8–10 minutes until al dente. Once it’s cooked, drain it and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This is key for keeping your pasta nice and firm! Let it cool completely while you prep the other ingredients.
Mixing the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. I like to give everything a gentle toss at this stage to mix the flavors without bruising the spinach. Just be careful; you want everything to remain beautifully vibrant!
Making the Dressing
For the dressing, grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I find that whisking really helps to emulsify the oil and lemon juice, creating a nice, creamy texture. Taste it! You might want to adjust the seasoning to your liking—don’t be shy!
Final Assembly
Now for the grand finale! Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until it’s well coated. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and give it one last gentle toss. This way, the feta stays in nice chunks for that burst of flavor in every bite. Serve it chilled, and watch everyone dig in!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! This cold chicken spinach pasta salad is not only delicious but also relatively light, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. Each serving is estimated to have about 350 calories, with 18 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. You also get about 4 grams of fiber, which is fantastic for digestion. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so treat these numbers as a helpful guide rather than strict rules. Enjoy this salad guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy days!
- Light and Healthy: Packed with fresh veggies and lean protein, it’s a guilt-free meal that keeps you satisfied.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins—it’s all about what you love!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It can be made ahead of time, so you always have a delicious option on hand.
- Refreshing Taste: The combination of lemony dressing and fresh ingredients makes every bite a burst of flavor!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cold chicken spinach pasta salad is absolutely perfect, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, serve it chilled for the best flavor—just pop it in the fridge for about an hour before serving. If you’re making it ahead of time, feel free to prepare the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep everything fresh. For an extra crunch, toss in some toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds! Lastly, don’t hesitate to switch up the veggies or proteins based on what you have on hand; this salad is super versatile!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this cold chicken spinach pasta salad? I’ve got you covered! First off, if you don’t have feta cheese, goat cheese or even mozzarella work great too. Want to switch things up? Toss in grilled veggies or chickpeas for added flavor and texture! If you’re wondering about storage, this salad keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days—just make sure it’s in an airtight container. As for serving suggestions, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or as a side dish at barbecues. Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner—so versatile!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your cold chicken spinach pasta salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner later in the week. If you’re planning to reheat it, I recommend enjoying it cold, as the flavors meld beautifully when chilled. However, if you prefer it warm, gently heat the chicken separately in the microwave and then mix it back in with the salad. Just remember, the fresh veggies are best enjoyed cold, so keep that in mind!
Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad: 5 Refreshing Bliss Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A refreshing cold chicken spinach pasta salad that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pasta, perfect for a light meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Notes
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Add nuts for extra crunch if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: cold chicken spinach pasta salad
