Chicken Spaghetti Salad
A flavorful chicken spaghetti salad featuring tender pasta, chopped chicken, olives, and fresh vegetables, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners with a tangy, savory taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti, then drain and let it cool.
- Mix the cooked spaghetti with Accent, lemon juice, and vegetable oil.
- Refrigerate the mixture for several hours or overnight in an airtight container.
- Chop the cooked, deboned chicken, onion, bell pepper, and pimentos.
- Add the chopped chicken, onion, bell pepper, green olives, black olives, salt, and pepper to the chilled spaghetti mixture.
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. You can substitute whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option. Adjust the amount of olives based on your preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra crunch. If you want a bit more tang, a splash of vinegar can enhance the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Spaghetti Salad is perfect as a light main dish or a side at picnics and potlucks. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or serve alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. It also complements dishes like Baked Chicken With Broccoli, making it a versatile addition to your menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, consider warming it gently in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. If serving cold, you can enjoy it directly from the fridge; the flavors will continue to meld over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Spaghetti Salad contains roughly 112 calories, with 4g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1128mg per serving (49% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better after it has had time to chill and the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for the olives?
If you're not a fan of olives, you can substitute them with capers or even diced pickles for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that this will change the overall taste of the salad.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Chicken Spaghetti Salad is great for meal prep! It holds up well in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for lunches throughout the week. Just be sure to store it in individual portions for easy access.
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).