Pasta Chicken Salad
A vibrant and flavorful pasta chicken salad featuring seasoned baked chicken, fresh spinach, tomatoes, and pasta, perfect for a light lunch or dinner with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat chicken breasts with oregano, lemon pepper, crushed garlic, and oil.
- Bake the chicken at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- While chicken is baking, boil the pasta until al dente.
- Chop tomatoes, fresh spinach, and green onions.
- Slice the baked chicken into strips.
- Combine cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and chicken in a large bowl.
- Toss everything together and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spices for a few hours before baking. You can substitute the pasta twists with whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. If fresh spinach isn't available, kale or arugula can work well too. Feel free to add other Mediterranean ingredients like olives or feta cheese to enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta chicken salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette dressing or lemon wedges for a fresh touch. Consider serving it alongside some crusty bread or a side of Rice With Spinach for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil to prevent drying out. This salad can be enjoyed cold or warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Chicken Salad contains roughly 633 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% 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 use leftover chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works great in this dish. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it with the pasta and vegetables. This not only saves time but also adds extra flavor, making it a convenient option for busy weeknight meals.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this pasta salad vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas or tofu. You can also increase the amount of vegetables, such as bell peppers or cucumbers, to maintain a hearty texture and flavor.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Pasta twists are great for holding onto the dressing and ingredients, but you can also use penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just choose a pasta shape that you enjoy and cook it according to package instructions for 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).