Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, pasta, and a zesty dressing, it’s a versatile and satisfying salad that can be made ahead for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Flavorful: A balance of fresh greens, savory chicken, and a tangy dressing.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this salad a breeze to whip up.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or nuts for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (bowtie, rotini, or penne)
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Feta cheese or mozzarella pearls
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- Garlic, minced
- Dijon mustard
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Croutons, toasted nuts, or olives for added texture and flavor.
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or red wine vinegar), minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese, Parmesan shavings, or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: Include cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado for extra color and nutrients.
- Dressing Twist: Use a creamy ranch or Caesar dressing instead of the olive oil-based dressing.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the spinach and pasta may lose their texture when thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the salad and dressing separately, then toss them together just before serving to keep the spinach fresh.
2. What’s the best type of pasta for this salad?
Short pasta like bowtie, rotini, or penne works best as it holds the dressing and mixes well with other ingredients.
3. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and great flavor to this dish.
4. How do I keep the spinach from wilting?
Toss the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp, or serve the dressing on the side.
5. Can I add a crunch to this salad?
Yes! Add toasted nuts, sunflower seeds, or croutons for extra texture.
6. What’s a good substitute for feta cheese?
Mozzarella pearls, goat cheese, or shredded Parmesan are great alternatives.
7. How can I make this salad dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
8. Is this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
9. Can I serve this salad warm?
While it’s best served cold, you can enjoy it warm by skipping the rinsing step after cooking the pasta.
10. What can I serve with this salad?
Serve it alongside crusty bread, soup, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether served as a light meal or a crowd-pleasing side, this salad is easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy a flavorful, wholesome dish that’s sure to become a favorite!
PrintCold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad
This cold chicken spinach pasta salad is a light and refreshing dish, perfect for lunch, picnics, or potlucks. Tender pasta, juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and a tangy dressing come together in a deliciously satisfying salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (rotini, bowties, or penne)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool completely.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and black olives (if using). Toss gently to combine.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with feta or Parmesan cheese.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Notes
- Add extra crunch by tossing in chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or toasted nuts.
- For a creamy version, replace the vinaigrette with a light ranch or Caesar dressing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.