Lunch

Chicken Pasta Salad

By RecipeNest · Lunch

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.

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Prep

15 min

Cook

15 min

Total

30 min

Servings

6

Calories

420

Chicken Pasta Salad
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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. 1

    Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.

  3. 3

    In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced grilled chicken, spinach, roasted red peppers, red onion, and cheese.

  4. 4

    Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss until every bowtie is coated.

  5. 5

    Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

  6. 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

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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.

Sarah Mitchell

Recipe by Sarah Mitchell

Professional home cook · Tested in a real American kitchen

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