Chicken Pasta Salad
This chicken pasta salad recipe is a hearty, protein-packed lunch that comes together in under 30 minutes. Loaded with grilled chicken, tender bowtie pasta, baby spinach, roasted red peppers, and a creamy Greek yogurt Caesar dressing, it is the perfect make-ahead pasta salad with chicken for weekday lunches, potlucks, and meal prep bowls.
Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
30 min
Servings
6
Calories
420

Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 large grilled chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or shaved parmesan
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1
Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
- 3
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced grilled chicken, spinach, roasted red peppers, red onion, and cheese.
- 4
Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss until every bowtie is coated.
- 5
Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- 6
Chill 20 minutes before serving so the flavors bloom.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 420 calories
protein
32g
carbs
44g
fat
14g
fiber
3g
sugar
5g
sodium
540mg
Related Recipes
More lunch and similar dishes you'll love.

Classic Chicken Salad
This classic chicken salad recipe is the ultimate easy lunch, featuring tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted almonds tossed in a creamy mayo dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served on a bed of lettuce, this old-fashioned chicken salad is a make-ahead lunch favorite that keeps beautifully in the fridge for meal prep.

Grilled Chicken Salad
This grilled chicken salad recipe is a fresh, protein-packed lunch that pairs juicy marinated grilled chicken with mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light balsamic vinaigrette. Ready in 25 minutes, this healthy grilled chicken salad is a low-carb, high-protein lunch that leaves you full and energized.

Italian Pasta Salad
This authentic Italian pasta salad recipe is the ultimate summer side dish, packed with tri-color rotini, salami, pepperoni, provolone, olives, and pepperoncini in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for backyard BBQs, potlucks, and easy lunches, this cold Italian pasta salad only gets better as it sits in the fridge.

Classic Chicken Soup
This classic chicken soup recipe is the ultimate homemade chicken noodle soup — cozy, restorative, and ready in under an hour. Made with tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, carrots, celery, and fresh herbs in a golden broth, this old-fashioned chicken soup is the go-to comfort food for cold days and sick days alike.

Classic Chicken Caesar Salad
This classic Chicken Caesar Salad combines crisp romaine lettuce with juicy grilled chicken and a rich, creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Topped with crunchy croutons for the ultimate lunch experience.

Easy Pasta Salad
This easy pasta salad recipe is the ultimate potluck side dish, tossed with crisp veggies, mozzarella pearls, olives, and a tangy Italian dressing. Ready in 20 minutes, this cold pasta salad is perfect for BBQs, meal prep lunches, and summer picnics — a classic American pasta salad the whole family loves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best chicken for chicken pasta salad?+
Grilled chicken breast gives smoky flavor, but rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken work beautifully. For an even quicker chicken pasta salad, use pre-cooked grilled chicken strips.
How long does chicken pasta salad last?+
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this creamy chicken pasta salad lasts 3 to 4 days — perfect for meal prep lunches all week long.
Can I make chicken pasta salad ahead for a potluck?+
Absolutely. Prepare it up to 24 hours ahead, keep it chilled, and refresh with a splash of lemon juice or extra dressing right before serving.
What other pasta salads pair with this one?+
Serve alongside our easy pasta salad or Italian pasta salad for a full lunch spread. Add a classic chicken salad on croissants to round it out.

Recipe by Sarah Mitchell
Professional home cook · Tested in a real American kitchen
Get more recipes like this
Get weekly meal plans and family-friendly recipes delivered to your inbox.
You May Also Like
Hand-picked favorites from across RecipeNest.

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Stop searching for the best chocolate chip cookies. This recipe delivers a soft, chewy texture with buttery edges and gooey chocolate in every bite — the ultimate homemade cookie experience.

The Best Moist Banana Bread
Discover how to make the best moist banana bread using only one bowl. This homemade banana bread recipe delivers a soft, bakery-style loaf that is perfect for utilizing overripe bananas.

Garlic Butter Chicken
Our 20-minute garlic butter chicken is a restaurant-style meal you can make in one skillet. This easy chicken recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, savory pan sauce.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Stop settling for soggy wings and try these air fryer chicken wings. These crispy wings use no flour or breading, making them the perfect keto chicken wings for your next party.