difficulty
Beginner
Servings
2 servings
Prep time
10 min
Cooking time
10 min
Calories
460 kcal
This Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh, healthy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It combines tender chicken, pasta, and crisp vegetables with a light lemon dressing for a simple yet flavorful meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or something you can prepare ahead of time, this pasta salad is easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Pasta Salad is quick to make, ready in about 20 minutes, and perfect for busy days. It’s high in protein, light yet filling, and packed with fresh flavors. It also works great for meal prep and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
- 150g pasta (whole wheat optional)
- 2 chicken breasts (300g total)
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- Handful spinach or arugula
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: feta cheese or avocado
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a pan.
- Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes.
- Chop cucumber and tomatoes.
- Mix pasta with vegetables.
- Add chicken on top.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and season.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein: ~36 g
- Fat: ~14 g
- Carbohydrates : ~ 38 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
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Make Ahead & Meal Prep
This Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep and stays fresh in the fridge for several days. You can prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them together or separately, depending on your preference. The flavors even improve over time, making it an ideal grab-and-go meal for busy weekdays.
Tips
- Let the pasta cool completely before mixing to avoid sogginess.
- Season the chicken well for maximum flavor.
- Add the lemon juice just before serving for the freshest taste.
- Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—keep it slightly firm (al dente).
Variations
- Low-Carb Version Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or extra greens.
- Creamy Version Add a spoon of Greek yogurt or mayo for a creamy texture.
- Vegetarian Option Swap chicken for chickpeas or grilled vegetables.
- Mediterranean Style Add olives, feta, and red onion.
- High-Protein Boost Add extra chicken or a boiled egg.
FAQ
Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
Yes, it’s balanced with protein, carbs, and fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious option.
Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep and tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
It stays fresh for about 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.
Recipe by vino
I love this Chicken Pasta Salad because it’s one of those recipes that’s always easy and reliable. It’s fresh, light, but still filling, and perfect when I want something healthy without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s also great to make ahead, and the flavors get even better the next day.
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