Refreshing Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer

Twirling your fork through a refreshing cold chicken spinach pasta salad that bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Summer lunches demand something light and zesty.

Crisp spinach leaves dance between tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked pasta.

Chilled ingredients mingle with a tangy dressing that awakens every single taste bud.

Protein-packed and incredibly simple, this recipe comes together faster than you can say “delicious meal.” Mediterranean-inspired ingredients transform an ordinary dish into something spectacular.

Come join me in creating a meal that feels like a cool breeze on a warm afternoon.

Helpful Tips For Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad

• Boost Pasta Texture: Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect al dente consistency.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or shredded turkey for versatile dietary preferences and added protein variety.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow dressing ingredients to deeply penetrate and enhance overall taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad a day in advance for more developed flavors and convenient meal prep, keeping dressing and salad separately until serving time.
• Create Dietary Adaptations: Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version, or replace cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative that maintains rich, tangy notes.

How To Store Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pasta salad cool to maintain its fresh taste and prevent bacterial growth.
• Drain Excess Liquid: Before storing, drain any excess dressing to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy. This helps preserve the salad's texture and prevents watery consistency.
• Revive Flavor: When ready to eat, give the cold pasta salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Add a splash of fresh olive oil or vinegar if the salad seems dry.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze this pasta salad, as the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing will lose their texture and become watery when thawed.

What To Serve With Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the salad's fresh ingredients and cuts through the olive oil's richness, creating a refreshing flavor combination.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Grab a slice of rustic sourdough or Mediterranean-style bread to soak up the tangy dressing and add a delightful textural contrast to the cold pasta salad.
• Match with Light Summer Beverage: Enjoy a glass of sparkling water with fresh lemon or a homemade iced tea to balance the salad's herbal notes and provide a cool, hydrating accompaniment.
• Add Mediterranean-Inspired Side: Pair with a small plate of marinated olives or a quick cucumber salad to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile and provide additional textural interest.

Ways To Change Up Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap feta cheese for crumbled goat cheese, add kalamata olives, and mix in diced cucumber for a Greek-inspired version that brings coastal flavors to your pasta salad.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Replace red wine vinegar with lime juice, add grilled corn kernels, diced jalapeños, and sprinkle with cilantro to create a zesty southwestern profile with a kick of heat.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate quinoa alongside pasta for extra protein, mix in edamame beans, and use grilled shrimp instead of chicken to enhance nutritional value and add variety.
• Herbal Garden Blend: Introduce fresh basil leaves, swap Dijon mustard for pesto, include chopped roasted zucchini, and garnish with pine nuts for an aromatic and herbaceous transformation of the classic recipe.

Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad Questions

• Why use red wine vinegar in the dressing?

Red wine vinegar adds a tangy, bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken and cheese, creating a balanced and refreshing taste profile for the pasta salad.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests a specific pasta, you can easily swap it with rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the dressing and ingredients well.

• Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes! This cold chicken spinach pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and actually develops more flavor as the ingredients marinate together.

• How can I make this salad more protein-packed?

You can increase the protein by adding grilled shrimp, additional chicken, chickpeas, or cubed tofu to boost the nutritional value and make the salad more filling.

Why Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad Is A Light Meal Winner

• Flavor Explosion: Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired tastes, this pasta salad combines tangy vinegar, zesty garlic, and briny olives for a mouthwatering experience.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, iron-rich spinach, and antioxidant-filled tomatoes, this dish delivers a healthy punch in every refreshing bite.
• Quick Summer Lifesaver: Perfect for hot days, this no-heat recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare and can be made ahead, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, and lazy weeknight dinners.
• Texture Paradise: Enjoy a delightful mix of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and creamy cheese that creates a satisfying and balanced mouthfeel in every forkful.

What You’ll Need For Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Soft and chewy base for the salad, quick-cooking and versatile.

Notes: Choose short pasta like rotini or penne for better dressing coverage.

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the salad.

Notes: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

• Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion: Crisp and colorful vegetables that provide freshness and nutrition.

Notes: Use fresh, crisp spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for best taste.

• Black Olives: Salty and tangy addition for extra depth.

Notes: Optional, but recommended for Mediterranean flavor.

• Feta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese for rich flavor.

Notes: Choose high-quality, authentic cheese for best results.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Base for creating a smooth, balanced dressing.
• Garlic, Dijon Mustard, Oregano: Aromatic herbs and spices that add complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

Notes: Use fresh garlic and good quality olive oil for best results.

How To Make Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in your pasta and cook until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water. Spread the pasta on a flat surface to cool completely, allowing it to lose its heat and become perfect for a refreshing salad.

Step 2: Craft Your Flavor-Packed Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Minced fresh garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk or shake these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, tangy dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Mix Salad Components

• Cooled pasta
• Shredded cooked chicken
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Sliced black olives (optional)

Gently toss these ingredients, creating a colorful and appetizing mixture.

Step 4: Dress and Enhance

Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the salad. Toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a loving coat of the tangy mixture. Sprinkle crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify. When ready to serve, give it a quick stir and enjoy the cool, refreshing meal that’s perfect for a sunny day or a light dinner.

Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired cold chicken spinach pasta salad brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to your summer table. Crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and zesty dressing create a light, refreshing meal perfect for quick lunches or elegant gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken (rotisserie works great)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese

Produce and Vegetables:

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Pasta and Other Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (rotini, bowties, or penne)
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta by boiling in generously salted water until perfectly tender, ensuring a delicate al dente texture. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent clumping.
2. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking together fragrant olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, minced garlic, zesty Dijon mustard, crumbled dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, harmonious dressing.
3. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized morsels, ensuring uniform pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
4. In a spacious mixing vessel, layer the cooled pasta, prepared chicken, crisp baby spinach leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and briny black olives. Gently fold the ingredients to create a balanced distribution.
5. Drizzle the meticulously crafted dressing over the salad, using a delicate tossing motion to coat each ingredient without bruising the delicate spinach leaves.
6. Sprinkle crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese across the surface, adding a creamy, salty dimension to the dish.
7. Refrigerate the assembled salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Serve chilled as a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose short pasta shapes like rotini or penne that catch dressing and hold ingredients beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Protein Power: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for quick assembly, saving time without compromising taste.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, maintaining the salad’s delicious profile.
• Flavor Boosting: Let salad sit for 1-2 hours before serving to allow ingredients to marinate, intensifying the overall taste and creating a more cohesive dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg