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This easy Pasta Salad with Chicken balances pasta and fresh ingredients perfectly to deliver a meal that’s flavorful, filling, and kidfriendly. It’s one of those dishes that works well for busy weeknights or packed lunches because you can prepare it ahead, and the flavors only improve after some resting time. Whether you prefer it as a main dish or a side, it’s flexible and crowd pleasing with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, wholesome beans, and tender chicken.
I first made this pasta salad when I was looking for a meal my kids would enjoy that packed in some veggies and protein. It quickly became a weekly request because the flavors are fresh but familiar enough for picky eaters.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: fresh and juicy to add sweetness and a burst of color
- Fresh basil: offers a bright herbal note that lifts the whole salad
- Fresh garlic: in the dressing ensures a punch of flavor without overwhelming
- Extravirgin olive oil: adds richness and smoothness to the dressing
- Pasta: smaller shapes like wagon wheels or elbows work best because they mix well with the other ingredients
- Cannellini white beans: bring fiber and vegetarian protein while adding creaminess
- Cooked chicken: fully cooked tender chicken makes assembly quick and adds hearty protein
- Cheese: crumbled goat cheese or feta for tang, or diced mozzarella for mild creaminess, choose what your family prefers
Instructions
- Savor the Flavors:
- Marinate the tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt, and olive oil in a bowl. Toss them well and let them sit to marry the fresh tastes together. This step creates a flavorful coating that brightens the pasta salad.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Remove Herbal Bits:
- Gently take out the basil leaves and garlic from the bowl with the tomatoes after marinating. This stops the raw garlic flavor from dominating and avoids texture issues for kids who may not like those elements whole.
- Combine the Salad:
- Add the cooked pasta, marinated tomatoes, drained beans, and shredded or diced chicken into a large bowl. Toss everything gently to fully mix the flavors and ingredients.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle in your choice of crumbled or diced cheese according to your family’s taste then give one last gentle toss.
- Serve:
- Serve either at room temperature or after chilling for a bit in the fridge. It tastes great either way, but avoid serving ice cold to keep the flavors lively.
I love how the fresh basil adds brightness without overpowering the salad. I remember a summer picnic with my family when I served this for the first time. Everyone loved how the different textures and flavors came together, and it became a go to for our warm weather gatherings.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. For best texture, consume within five days. Let it come to room temperature for about thirty minutes before serving if you prefer to avoid the chill. This salad holds up well, so it’s great for making ahead or packing for lunches.
Ingredient Substitutions
Omit chicken for a vegetarian version, or swap in cooked shrimp, tofu, or salmon for a different protein source. Use any small shaped pasta that your family enjoys including farfalle or mini wagon wheels. Gluten free pasta works equally well if you prefer or require gluten free options. Cheese options are flexible with goat cheese, feta, mozzarella, or even cheddar being delicious choices. For dairy free, simply skip the cheese and add nuts or seeds like roasted sunflower seeds for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta salad on its own for a light yet filling main dish or alongside grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad. It pairs beautifully with summer BBQ fare or can be a comforting addition to a lunchbox. Fresh fruit or a simple vinaigrette dressed side salad rounds out the meal nicely.
This pasta salad is perfect for busy families and keeps well for lunches and leftovers. Make it ahead and let the flavors meld for best results.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What pasta shape works best?
Choose smaller pasta shapes like wagon wheels, elbows, or farfalle to match the size of other ingredients and make eating easy.
- → Can I omit the chicken?
Yes, you can leave out the chicken and add other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or keep it vegetarian with beans.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Let it sit at room temperature about 30 minutes before serving.
- → What cheese pairs well with this dish?
Crumbled goat, feta, or diced mozzarella work well, but shredded mozzarella or cheddar can also be used.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta like Barilla or Banza chickpea pasta and follow the cooking instructions carefully for best texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, it uses kid-friendly ingredients and can be served mixed or separated to suit picky eaters.