Sunshine Chicken Pasta Salad Your New Summer Staple

Sunshine Chicken Pasta Salad Easy Summer Recipe

By SandraAugust 17, 2025

This Sunshine Chicken Pasta Salad recipe is a bright zesty delight Perfect for picnics garden parties Ditch the soggy sandwiches Get the easy recipe now ... Healthy Eats

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a Chicken pasta salad recipe that's not boring? Honestly, who doesn't? This is the one. It’s got a zesty kick and it’s packed with sunshine flavours.

Brief Overview

This Summer pasta salad is inspired by Mediterranean flavours. Think sunny days and garden parties. It's super easy, takes about 50 minutes, and makes enough for 6 hungry people.

Main Benefits

This Chicken salad recipe is full of protein and perfect for a picnic. It’s also a brilliant way to use up leftover chicken breast .

Honestly, you can't beat it. It's special because the dressing really makes it pop!

Time to dive into the ingredients, yeah? This easy pasta salad recipe is about to become your summer staple.

What You Need for This Sunshine Chicken Pasta Salad

Here's the kit.

3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne).
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved.
1 cup cucumber, diced.
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced.
½ cup red or yellow bell pepper, diced.
¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional).
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional).
¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped.

And now for the dressing that make this Picnic pasta salad the best dish ever.

¼ cup olive oil, extra virgin.
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
1 clove garlic, minced.
Salt and pepper, to taste.

This cold pasta salad is gonna knock your socks off. Trust me! You can even make ahead pasta salad and enjoy it the next day.

It's that simple. We're talking easy peasy. And that sums up this Quick chicken pasta salad .

Sunshine Chicken Pasta Salad Your New Summer Staple presentation

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's get down to brass tacks for this Chicken pasta salad recipe . Honestly, gathering the right stuff makes all the difference.

A proper summer pasta salad is about fresh, quality ingredients. It's one of the easy pasta salad recipes that is so simple it's awesome.

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need. We're making a zesty chicken pasta salad !

3 cups (approx. 240g ) cooked pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne). Al dente is key, mate!
2 cups (approx. 300g ) cooked chicken breast. Diced or shredded, whatever floats your boat.
1 cup (approx. 150g ) cherry tomatoes, halved.
1 cup (approx. 120g ) cucumber, diced.
½ cup (approx. 50g ) red onion, thinly sliced.
½ cup (approx. 75g ) red or yellow bell pepper, diced.
¼ cup (approx. 40g ) black olives, sliced (optional).
¼ cup (approx. 30g ) feta cheese, crumbled (optional).
¼ cup (approx. 10g ) fresh parsley or basil, chopped.

For the chicken, good quality breast is worth the splurge. Seriously. Dry chicken ruins the whole thing.

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens.

Olive oil , red wine vinegar , Dijon mustard , garlic , salt and pepper are your base. Don't skimp.
A squeeze of lemon can brighten things up.
Got no red wine vinegar? Lemon juice works.

Honestly, fresh herbs are the secret weapon for this picnic pasta salad .

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah?

Large pot for pasta.
Colander.
Cutting board.
Chef's knife.
Small bowl for dressing.
Whisk or fork.
Large mixing bowl.

Don’t have a fancy whisk? A fork does the trick. This is the cold pasta salad that everyone will love. It’s the perfect garden vegetable pasta salad .

This quick chicken pasta salad is about to become your new favourite. This is so good and easy to make ahead pasta salad .

Sunshine Chicken Pasta Salad: Your New Summer Staple

Oh my gosh, let's talk about the Chicken pasta salad recipe . Forget boring lunches. This recipe is like a summer party in your mouth! I swear, once you try this Sunshine Chicken Pasta Salad , it will become your new favorite.

It's seriously the easy pasta salad recipe you've been searching for. Think garden parties and sunshine, all in one bowl.

It's perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just a chill night in. So grab your apron and let's get started!

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted

Essential mise en place is a fancy way of saying "get organized". Honestly, prepping everything first saves so much time.

Halve those cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper. Thinly slice the red onion and chop your herbs. Having everything ready means you can just throw it all together.

It's like a little orchestra of flavor!

Time-saving Tip: Cook the chicken ahead of time. This make ahead pasta salad can be a lifesaver during the week!

Step-by-Step to Salad Perfection

Here's the super easy breakdown.

Cook the pasta: Cook 3 cups of pasta until al dente . This will take about 8- 10 minutes , depending on your pasta.
Drain and rinse under cold water. No one wants soggy pasta!
Prep the Chicken: Make sure you have 2 cups of cooked chicken. Diced or shredded, your call!
Chop the Veggies: This is where the garden vegetable salad really shines. Remember those tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers? Dice them.
Make the Zesty Dressing: Whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice!), 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper.
Combine Everything: Gently mix the pasta, chicken, and veggies in a big bowl.
Dress it Up: Pour that zesty dressing over the salad. Toss gently.
Chill Out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes . Let those flavours mingle!
Serve and Enjoy: Grab a fork and dig in!

Pro Tips for a Knockout Salad

Want to take your chicken salad recipe to the next level? Here's the secret sauce:

Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is the way to go.
Chill it! Let it sit in the fridge for a bit. This allows the flavors to meld. Trust me.
Taste and adjust. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.

This cold pasta salad is a total crowd-pleaser and the perfect picnic pasta salad or summer pasta salad . I remember the first time I made this for a BBQ, everyone raved about it! Honestly, it's that good.

It makes you want to use a zesty chicken pasta salad . So, there you have it – your new go-to.

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Chicken Pasta Salad

This Chicken pasta salad recipe is proper lush, innit? But let's be real, every good recipe has a few secrets, right? Here are my top tips to make sure your Summer pasta salad is a total showstopper.

Plus, let's tackle some common questions. Let's get cooking!

Serving Ideas: Make it a Proper Spread!

Think beyond just chucking it in a bowl. Plating matters, especially if you want to wow your mates at a garden party or summer social .

I like to layer mine in a big glass bowl, so you can see all the vibrant colours of the Garden vegetable pasta salad .

Serve it with some crusty bread for mopping up all that zesty dressing. For drinks? Oh my gosh, a crisp glass of white wine or a jug of homemade lemonade? Absolutely banging! This Easy pasta salad recipe makes everything so easy.

Keepin' it Fresh: Storage Secrets

Alright, listen up. Nobody wants a soggy salad the next day, yeah? To keep this Picnic pasta salad tasting mint, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3 days, no worries .

Freezing? Honestly, I wouldn't bother. The pasta can get a bit weird when it thaws. Reheating? This is a Cold pasta salad , so no need! Just grab it straight from the fridge and enjoy.

Keep it safe, less than 4 °C is crucial.

Mix it Up: Variations to Try

Fancy a twist? You know I am always up for trying new things. For a dairy-free version, skip the feta or try a vegan feta alternative.

If you're feeling adventurous, swap out the bell peppers for some roasted courgette when they're in season. It’s amazing, Honestly! Want to make it a Zesty chicken pasta salad with a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Nutrition: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, I'm not a nutritionist, but let's keep it real. This Chicken salad recipe is packed with protein from the chicken, fibre from the veggies, and healthy fats from the olive oil.

Plus, those antioxidants from the tomatoes are a win. This Pasta salad with chicken breast will get you going.

It's all about balance, though, isn't it? Enjoy this Quick chicken pasta salad as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

So Make ahead pasta salad and make the most of a fantastic meal!

There you have it, sorted! This Chicken pasta salad recipe is proper versatile, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Go on, give it a go! I just know you are going to do a blinding job!

Summer Pasta Salad Sunshine Chicken Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chicken pasta salad recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this Sunshine Chicken Pasta Salad tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Prepare the salad a day in advance, but hold off on adding the dressing until just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy. Think of it like prepping your Sunday roast – the early bird gets the tastiest dish!

What are some good variations for this chicken pasta salad recipe?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Try a Mediterranean version with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and Kalamata olives. For a vegetarian option, you could swap out the chicken for some grilled halloumi or chickpeas – just remember to adjust your seasoning accordingly! It's all about putting your own signature stamp on it, like adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to your shepherd's pie - a little secret touch!

How long will leftover chicken pasta salad last in the fridge?

Your Sunshine Chicken Pasta Salad will typically keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before tucking in. It's a great way to have a quick and tasty lunch sorted for a few days – far better than a soggy supermarket sandwich!

Can I use a different type of pasta in this chicken pasta salad recipe?

Definitely! While rotini, farfalle, and penne are great choices, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like fusilli or even small shells. Just remember to cook it al dente, like you would for a proper Italian ragu, so it holds its shape and doesn't get mushy in the salad. A bit of bite is what we're after!

Is there a way to lighten up this chicken pasta salad recipe?

Of course! To make a lighter version of this chicken pasta salad recipe, consider using a low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the dressing. You could also increase the amount of vegetables and reduce the amount of pasta, or use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. A little swap here and there can make a big difference to the calorie count - it's all about balance!