Cool Chicken Pasta Salad

Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a light and refreshing lunch, this Cool Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and fresh lemon juice, this dish is both satisfying and balanced. The addition of sliced black olives and fresh parsley adds a delightful burst of flavor and color, while a short chill in the refrigerator ensures every bite is cool and harmoniously married. Ready in just 40 minutes and great for meal prepping, this easy-to-make chicken pasta salad is a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup black olives, sliced
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and parsley.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 7

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve cold and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1731.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2560.3

Total Fat 140.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 425.7mg	0%
Sodium 3898.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 180.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.7g	0%
Total Sugars 26.1g
Protein 147.5g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 435.0mg	0%
Iron 14.1mg	0%
Potassium 2882.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.0%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 28.0%