Pasta Salads

Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad

Name: Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice; 2 cups (250g) cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup (115g) sliced cucumber; 1/2 cup (55g) sliced red onion; 1/2 cup (115g) crumbled mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup (30g) grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil; 2 tbsp (30ml) red wine vinegar; 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

By Felix Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Pasta Salads

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total45 min

Serves6

There's something special about a warm summer evening, surrounded by loved ones, and a big bowl of Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad in the center of the table. This dish is more than just a meal, it's an experience. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, al dente pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tied together with a zesty Italian dressing, is sure to become a family favorite.

I still remember the first time I made this recipe for my family. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and we were all gathered in the backyard, waiting for the grill to heat up. The smell of sizzling chicken and fresh basil filled the air, and everyone's stomach was growling in anticipation. The first bite was like a taste explosion - the flavors were so vibrant and refreshing, it was like a little slice of Italy in our own backyard.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. It's easy to make, feeds a crowd, and can be prepared ahead of time. The best part? It's completely customizable to your tastes. Don't like cherry tomatoes? Swap them out for sliced bell peppers. Want to add some heat? Throw in some diced jalapenos. The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes this recipe so special.

In this article, we'll walk through the steps to make a delicious Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad from scratch. We'll cover the ingredients, equipment, and techniques you need to know to create this mouth-watering dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started and make some unforgettable memories around the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add or subtract ingredients to suit your tastes
It's a great way to use up leftover chicken and pasta
The homemade Italian dressing is a game-changer and can be used in a variety of other dishes
This recipe is budget-friendly and can be made for under $20
It's a healthy and nutritious option, packed with protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad is in the balance of flavors and textures. You want a combination of juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and crunchy vegetables, all tied together with a tangy and herby dressing. To achieve this, we'll be using a few key techniques, including grilling the chicken to perfection, cooking the pasta just shy of al dente, and making a homemade Italian dressing from scratch.

Another important factor is the quality of the ingredients. We'll be using fresh and flavorful ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, to add natural sweetness and crunch to the salad. We'll also be using a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese to add creaminess and depth to the dish.

Finally, the dressing is what brings everything together. Our homemade Italian dressing is made with a combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs like basil and oregano. This dressing is not only delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your tastes.

By following these techniques and using high-quality ingredients, we'll be able to create a Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad that's not only delicious, but also visually stunning and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad, the ingredients are just as important as the techniques. We'll be using a combination of fresh and flavorful ingredients, including grilled chicken, al dente pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. We'll also be making a homemade Italian dressing from scratch, using ingredients like olive oil, red wine vinegar, and herbs like basil and oregano.

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this recipe:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breastsLook for fresh and high-quality chicken breasts, preferably organic or hormone-free. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer
8 oz (225g) pasta of your choiceChoose a pasta shape that holds onto the dressing well, such as bow tie, penne, or rotini. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed
2 cups (250g) cherry tomatoes, halvedFresh and flavorful cherry tomatoes are a must in this recipe. Look for them at your local farmer's market or grocery store
1 cup (115g) sliced cucumberEnglish or hothouse cucumbers work well in this recipe. You can also use other types of cucumbers, such as Kirby or pickling cucumbers
1/2 cup (55g) sliced red onionThinly sliced red onion adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the salad. You can also use yellow or white onion if you prefer
1/2 cup (115g) crumbled mozzarella cheeseFresh mozzarella is a must in this recipe. Look for it at your local grocery store or specialty cheese shop
1/4 cup (30g) grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oilHigh-quality olive oil is essential in this recipe. Look for a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (30ml) red wine vinegarRed wine vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing. You can also use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustardDijon mustard adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the dressing. You can also use whole-grain mustard or honey mustard
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano adds a earthy and herby flavor to the dressing. You can also use fresh oregano or other herbs like basil or thyme
Salt and pepper to tasteUse high-quality salt and pepper to season the dish to taste

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlColanderGrill or grill panCutting boardSharp knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad

1
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C)
2
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, such as oregano or thyme
3
Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature
4
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into thin strips
5
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside
6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano to make the dressing
8
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine
9
Add the sliced chicken, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss to combine
10
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld
11
Just before serving, give the salad a good toss and adjust the seasoning as needed

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and good-quality cheese, to make the best salad
Don't overcook the pasta - it should be al dente and still have a bit of bite
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it, to allow the juices to redistribute
Use a variety of colorful vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes and cucumber, to add visual appeal to the salad
Make the dressing from scratch, using high-quality ingredients like olive oil and red wine vinegar
Toss the salad just before serving, to ensure that the ingredients are well combined and the flavors are balanced
Consider adding other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or sliced avocado, to make the salad more interesting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing
Not letting the chicken rest, which can make it dry and tough
Using low-quality ingredients, such as wilted vegetables or low-quality cheese
Not making the dressing from scratch, which can result in a bland and uninteresting salad
Not tossing the salad just before serving, which can result in a salad that's unevenly dressed and unappetizing
Not using enough seasoning, such as salt and pepper, which can make the salad taste bland and uninteresting

Variations and Substitutions

Add some heat to the salad by including diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to add a unique flavor to the salad
Add some crunch to the salad by including chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds
Use different types of vegetables, such as diced zucchini or sliced carrots, to add more color and variety to the salad
Make the salad more substantial by adding some cooked sausage or bacon
Use a different type of dressing, such as a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, to change up the flavor of the salad
Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to the salad for extra flavor and visual appeal

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad

This Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, depending on your needs. Consider pairing it with some crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Some other ideas for serving this salad include:

Crusty breadGreen saladGrilled vegetablesRoasted potatoesGarlic knots

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply prepare the salad as instructed, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To freeze the salad, prepare it as instructed, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat the salad, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, give the salad a good toss and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Some tips for storing and reheating the salad include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this salad?

A pasta shape that holds onto the dressing well, such as bow tie, penne, or rotini, is best for this salad. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed

Can I use different types of cheese in this salad?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese in this salad, such as feta or goat cheese, to add a unique flavor. Simply crumble or chop the cheese and add it to the salad as instructed

How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?

This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply prepare the salad as instructed, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to serve

Can I freeze this salad?

Yes, you can freeze this salad. Simply prepare the salad as instructed, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months

How do I reheat this salad?

To reheat the salad, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, give the salad a good toss and adjust the seasoning as needed

What are some variations I can make to this salad?

Some variations you can make to this salad include adding diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for heat, using different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, or adding some crunch with chopped nuts or seeds

Can I serve this salad as a main course?

Yes, you can serve this salad as a main course. Simply add some crusty bread or a green salad on the side to make it more substantial

Is this salad healthy?

Yes, this salad is a healthy option, packed with protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables. Simply be mindful of the ingredients you use and the portion size

The Full Recipe

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