Chicken And Basil Pasta Salad
A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic basil, all coated in a light Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions, omitting any oil and adding 1/4 teaspoon salt. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Rinse the chicken, pat dry, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Spray a large skillet with nonstick coating and preheat over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Sprinkle the chicken with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked macaroni, cooked chicken, halved and sliced tomatoes, sliced zucchini or yellow squash, and sliced green onions.
- Drizzle the mixture with reduced-fat Italian salad dressing.
- Sprinkle with snipped fresh basil and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours.
- Before serving, toss the salad again to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, use whole wheat macaroni instead of traditional. You can substitute grilled shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a different protein. If fresh basil isn't available, try using dried basil, but reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon. For added crunch, consider mixing in some chopped bell peppers or cucumbers. This salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and basil pasta salad makes a great main dish for lunch or a light dinner. Serve it alongside garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Chicken Soup for a heartier option or can be enjoyed as a refreshing side at summer barbecues and potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy the pasta salad again, give it a gentle toss and consider adding a splash more of the reduced-fat Italian dressing if it seems dry. Avoid reheating as this dish is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Basil Pasta Salad contains roughly 108 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1446mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Definitely! You can leave out the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even chickpeas for protein. This makes for a delicious and hearty vegetarian dish while maintaining the fresh flavors of the salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).