Chicken And Pasta Toss(A Salad)
A vibrant chicken and pasta salad with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms, dressed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette—perfect for a light, flavorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rotini pasta ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded fresh spinach ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 8 cherry tomatoes, halved or sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Rinse the cooked pasta under cold running water; drain again.
- Combine the cooked pasta, shredded spinach, diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and shredded Parmesan cheese in a medium salad bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic salt, water, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss lightly to combine.
- Serve immediately with hot French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute whole wheat rotini or use spiralized zucchini instead of pasta. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the flavor, and adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the dressing can provide an extra zing. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider mixing in a dollop of Greek yogurt. This salad is also a great way to use up leftover chicken from recipes like Baked Chicken In Gravy.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken and Pasta Toss pairs beautifully with hot French bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a light soup or a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier dish, consider adding grilled vegetables or a side of roasted potatoes. It’s ideal for picnics or potlucks as well, making it a versatile choice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can gently warm the pasta in the microwave, but for the best texture, serve it cold as a salad. If desired, add a little extra olive oil or a splash of lemon juice before serving to refresh the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Pasta Toss(A Salad) contains roughly 182 calories, with 15g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (201% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (116% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value). At about 182 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is used here for its ability to hold the dressing and ingredients well, you can substitute any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or farfalle. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this Chicken and Pasta Toss vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas or tofu. You can also increase the quantity of mushrooms and cherry tomatoes for added flavor and substance.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize this dish with other vegetables you enjoy. Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even roasted zucchini would work well. Just ensure that any additions are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating.
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).