When the weather warms up, this Summer Chicken Pasta Salad is exactly what you want on the table. It's fresh, colorful, and packed with all the flavors of the season. Tender pasta is tossed with juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a zesty Italian-style dressing that ties everything together. It's light enough for a hot day but hearty enough to satisfy, making it perfect for cookouts, picnics, or an easy weeknight dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This pasta salad is the kind of dish you'll find yourself making all summer long. It's simple, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
Simple ingredients - Everything in this salad is easy to find and full of fresh flavor. Seasonal vegetables, tender chicken, and a quick homemade-style dressing come together beautifully.
Easy to Make - Cook the pasta, chop a few ingredients, and toss it all together. It's a straightforward recipe that doesn't take much effort.
Customizable - You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or what's in season, making it a great go-to recipe all summer.
Perfect for summer - With its fresh veggies, bright herbs, and light dressing, this salad is made for warm days, backyard gatherings, and easy meals.
Ingredients and Their Part in the Salad
This dish is all about combining fresh ingredients with bold flavor. Each one adds texture, color, and taste to make every bite satisfying. This is what you'll need:
Salad
- Grilled chicken breasts - Make the salad hearty and filling with the added protein.
- Rotini or fusilli pasta - Holds the dressing perfectly with all those twists and grooves.
- Cherry tomatoes - Add juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Zucchini - Light and tender with a mild flavor that blends well with the other ingredients.
- Cucumber - Crisp and refreshing, perfect for a summer salad.
- Bell pepper - Adds crunch and a touch of sweetness.
- Red or sweet onion - Brings a bit of sharpness and depth.
- Sliced ripe olives - Add a salty, savory bite.
- Pine nuts - Provide a subtle nutty flavor and light crunch.
- Fresh basil - Bright and aromatic, it gives the salad a fresh herb flavor.
- Arugula - Adds a peppery note that balances the richness of the dressing.
Dressing
- Italian salad dressing - The base that brings tangy, herby flavor.
- Parmesan cheese - Adds a salty, nutty richness.
- Sesame seeds - Provide a subtle crunch and unique flavor.
- Paprika - Adds a hint of warmth and color.
- Celery seed - Brings a classic, slightly earthy flavor that complements the dressing.
- Garlic powder - Enhances the savory depth of the dressing.
Ingredient Substitutions to Make It Your Own
This salad is easy to customize with simple swaps depending on your taste or what you have available.
- Chicken - Use rotisserie chicken or baked chicken instead of grilled.
- Pasta - Any short pasta like penne, bowties, or shells works well.
- Veggies - Add or swap in corn, summer squash, or green onions.
- Basil - Try rosemary, parsley, lemon balm, or other fresh herbs.
- Pine Nuts - Substitute with almonds, walnuts, pepitas, or sunflower seeds.
- Arugula - Use spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for a different green.
How to Make a Summer Chicken Pasta Salad
This salad comes together quickly and is perfect for making ahead. Here's what to do:
- Place all salad ingredients into a large bowl - cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, pine nuts, basil, arugula, and chopped chicken..
- Toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, add all the salad dressing ingredients - Italian dressing, parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, smoked paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder.
- Whisk well.
- Drizzle dressing over pasta salad and toss to cover all the nooks and crannies of the pasta.
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Serve chilled with a garnish of basil and parmesan cheese. Make it a complete meal with a few of the suggestions listed below.
Recipe Tips for Success
A few simple tips will help make sure your pasta salad turns out fresh and flavorful every time.
- Rinse the pasta to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking.
- Let the pasta cool before mixing so it doesn't wilt the vegetables.
- Chop vegetables into similar sizes so every bite has a little of everything..
- Toss the salad well so the dressing coats everything evenly.
- For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Add extra dressing before serving if the pasta absorbs too much while chilling.
What to Serve With Chicken Pasta Salad
This fresh and hearty pasta salad pairs beautifully with a mix of breads, soups, and a little something sweet to round out the meal. Whether you're serving it for lunch, dinner, or a summer gathering, these sides help turn it into a complete and satisfying spread.
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread - Crispy, buttery slices with bold garlic flavor that pair perfectly with pasta dishes.
- Focaccia - Soft, fluffy bread that's perfect for soaking up any extra dressing.
- Tomato Basil Soup - A warm, comforting soup that complements the fresh flavors of the salad.
- Berry Upside Down Cake - A fruity dessert that's light enough after a savory meal.
- Strawberry Shortcake - A classic sweet treat with fresh berries and fluffy angel food cake.
How to Store the Salad
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh vegetables and pasta will lose their texture.
More Summer Salad Recipes
Looking for more fresh and flavorful salads to enjoy all season long? These are perfect for cookouts, picnics, or easy meals when you want something light and delicious.
- Chicken Tortellini Salad - A hearty pasta salad loaded with tender tortellini, veggies, and savory flavors.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad - A light and fresh salad packed with Mediterranean flavors and wholesome ingredients.
- Red White and Blue Berry Salad - A colorful fruit salad that's perfect for summer gatherings and holidays.
- Strawberry Chicken Salad - Sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tender chicken make this a refreshing favorite.
- Tuna Pasta Salad - A classic, creamy pasta salad that's always a crowd-pleaser.
Find lots of delicious salad recipes right here on 2CM!
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Summer Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- ½ pound rotini or fusilli pasta
- ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- ½ large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced or a combination of red, yellow and orange bell peppers
- ½ large red or sweet onion, diced
- 2 ounces sliced ripe olives, drained (about 1 small can)
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup arugula chopped
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled or rotisserie style, chopped
Dressing
- 8 ounces favorite Italian salad dressing
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- Pinch garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to directions on box. Pour into colander, rinse and let drain. Chill pasta for at least 30 minutes before adding to vegetables.
- In a large bowl, combine all vegetables then toss with the chilled pasta. Add chicken and mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients together.
- Pour over pasta salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
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Nutrition
This post has been updated with new photos, step-by-step directions, and more helpful tips. It was first published in June 2016.
allisonarnone says
I'm such a big pasta salad person & often make them as a side for all BBQs/summer gatherings I attend 🙂 Always looking for new and exciting variations- this looks delish!
grace says
i always serve pasta salad as a side and it has never even occurred to me to add chicken to the salad itself--great idea! 🙂
Mary Frances says
This look so good! Perfect summer salad. Thanks for sharing 🙂