Chicken Pasta Salad Simple Healthy Recipe Wellplated Com

This recipe is sponsored by DeLallo. It’s also the correct response to What should I bring to the potluck? and HELP! I need easy, healthy dinners. Pasta salads of all stripes are a summertime staple (Italian Pasta Salad and Mexican Pasta Salad are two faves around here), but often they are lacking.

Too many noodles, soggy dressing, and a lack of vibrancy often mean pasta salads are more of a filler than something you feel excited about putting on your plate.Or, due to a lack of protein and vegetables, they might be good enough for a side dish, but not substantial enough to enjoy as a meal.

This simple chicken pasta salad is what happens when pasta salad lives up to its full, delicious potential.

Healthy. Thanks to whole grains, lean protein, and veggies.Satisfying. Creamy mozzarella pearls and extra-virgin olive oil add the necessary fats that are key to making you feel satiated.DELISH. Fresh herbs, garlic, and red wine vinegar wake up the salad and make it one you’ll want to eat again and again.

You can eat chicken pasta salad cold right out of the fridge or enjoy it at room temperature, and it’s perfectly portable for lunches and gatherings. Ready to make the best chicken pasta salad? Your friends (and yourself!) are going to thank you!

How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad

This healthy chicken pasta salad hits every food group in a single bowl. Thanks to plenty of veggies, protein, and wholesome whole grains, you can feel good enjoying it as a meal on its own or sharing it with friends as a part of a larger spread.

The Ingredients

Whole Wheat Pasta. I always choose DeLallo‘s whole wheat pasta because the quality is unmatched. Unlike other brands I’ve tried, their whole wheat pasta has a mild flavor and nice al dente texture. It works wonderfully in this pasta salad. Whole wheat pasta contains more fiber and iron per serving than white pasta, making it a nutritious swap (I promise no one will notice!).

Chicken. Using one of my foolproof methods below, you can prepare perfectly cooked, tender chicken breast for this salad. It helps make the salad more filling.

Asparagus. Bright green and crisp-tender, the asparagus adds texture to the salad. It’s also extremely healthy. Asparagus is packed with fiber and antioxidants.

Red Onion. Adds a subtle bite. Red Bell Pepper. Crisp, sweet, and colorful. Artichoke Hearts. Adding canned artichokes is an easy way to sneak in another tasty veggie. Artichokes are rich in fiber and vitamins. Tomatoes. Juicy, sweet, and perfect in this pasta salad. Mozzarella. Mozzarella pearls are the ideal size for a pasta salad like this one. They also taste fantastic with the other ingredients. Basil. Fresh basil is a simple finishing touch that makes a world of difference. Fresh parsley can also be used here. Dressing. Skip making chicken pasta salad with Italian dressing from a bottle. I created a simple and light homemade dressing from red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. It has zip and a hint of spice.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

I have a serving of this waiting in my fridge as I type.

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