Chicken-Ziti Salad
A vibrant chicken-ziti salad featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and creamy dressing, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings with bold flavors and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ziti until al dente, then drain and let cool.
- Cook green beans for 1 minute, then add zucchini and cook an additional 2 minutes; drain and cool.
- Mix cooled vegetables with cooked ziti.
- Add diced cucumber, cooked chicken, and minced red onion to the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in mayonnaise and minced dill until well combined.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve; if dressing stiffens, mix in more chicken consomme.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you prefer different vegetables, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers work beautifully in this salad. To add more flavor, try incorporating some grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure to let the ziti cool completely to avoid wilting the vegetables. This dish can also be made with whole wheat ziti for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken-Ziti Salad as a refreshing main dish during summer picnics or barbecues. It pairs well with a light green salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a chilled glass of white wine. This dish also complements other chicken recipes like Chicken Supreme Ala Izzy wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken consomme to loosen the texture if it thickens. This dish is also delicious served cold, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Ziti Salad contains roughly 532 calories, with 18g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (130% of the Daily Value), calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and potassium (41% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand will save time and add great flavor to your salad. Just be sure to shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this Chicken-Ziti Salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with cooked chickpeas or a mix of your favorite beans for added protein. You can also enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables or a sprinkle of feta cheese.
What type of pasta can I use instead of ziti?
If you don't have ziti on hand, penne or fusilli works well as a substitute. Both types of pasta have a similar shape and texture that hold the dressing nicely. Just be sure to cook them al dente for the best results.
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).