This Cold Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian dressing is your go-to for summer lunches, potlucks, or lazy dinners. It’s quick, refreshing, and packs flavor in every bite.
Cold pasta salads are summer’s low-effort, high-reward heroes. This one blends tender chicken, bold dressing, and crisp veggies—all in under 30 minutes.
If you love hearty salads, you’ll also enjoy my Rotisserie Chicken Salad or Greek Feta Pasta Salad. Need a cozy pairing? Try it with a bowl of Kale Apple Salad With Pomegranates.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & Easy: From fridge to fork in under 30 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Stays fresh for days—ideal for meal prep!
- Kid-Approved: Familiar flavors even picky eaters love.
⭐ Star Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need for Italian Chicken Pasta Salad.
- Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie makes it easy, but grilled chicken works great too!
- Whole Grain Pasta: I love penne for this—it holds dressing like a champ.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts of freshness.
- Italian Dressing: Homemade or store-bought, it ties everything together with zing.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Pesto Version: Swap the Italian dressing for basil pesto and toss with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella pearls for a fresh take.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
- Veggie-Packed: Boost the nutrition by adding chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or steamed broccoli florets.
For a richer pasta dish, you might also like Cowboy Butter Pasta or Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette.
💪 High-Protein & High-Fiber Boosts
Want to make this cold chicken pasta salad even more satisfying? Add a little extra power with these high-protein and fiber-rich upgrades:
- Chickpeas or White Beans: Toss in ½ to 1 cup for extra fiber and plant-based protein. They blend right in with the texture and make it more filling.
- Edamame: Shelled edamame adds a pop of color, crunch, and a big boost of protein—perfect for hungry teens or post-gym lunches.
- Lentils: Cooked lentils bring earthy flavor and gut-friendly fiber. Just be sure they’re tender but not mushy.
- Quinoa: Swap out some pasta or mix it in for added protein and fiber with a nutty twist.
💡Bonus Tip: These add-ins also make the salad last longer as leftovers—great for meal prep days when you're feeding the fam on autopilot.
🔪How To Make Cold Chicken Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
- Step 1: Prepare the Italian dressing by mixing soy sauce, mustard, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, olive oil, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and let it cool completely in a large bowl.
- Step 3: Add the chopped cooked chicken to the cooled pasta.
- Step 4: Toss in the chopped basil, grated Parmesan, thinly sliced red onion, prepared dressing, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Step 5: Mix everything thoroughly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 6: Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve your Chicken Pasta Salad chilled.
💡Hint: Cool pasta fast by placing it in an ice water bath—cuts chill time in half!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Rinse the Pasta: After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process immediately and cool it down faster.
- Chill Ingredients Ahead: Store your cooked chicken and veggies in the fridge before adding them to the pasta to keep the salad cold from the start.
- Use Ice Bath: Place the drained pasta in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to cool it down quickly, then drain thoroughly before mixing.
💭 FAQs
Absolutely! It’s a tasty, time-saving option and blends beautifully with the Italian dressing.
Rotini, penne, or bowties work well—they hold the dressing and don’t fall apart.
Absolutely! While Italian dressing adds a tangy flavor, you can substitute it with Ranch, Caesar Dressing, or a homemade vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences.
Yes—store the dressing separately if making more than a day ahead to keep it fresh. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s not freezer-friendly due to texture changes.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here are some great serving suggestions for your Italian Dressing Pasta Salad:
- Snack Bowl: A small, protein-packed bowl makes a great afternoon pick-me-up.
- Picnic-Ready: It travels well and tastes even better chilled.
- Lunchbox Hero: Perfect for work or school—make it Sunday and enjoy all week.
- Dinner Side: Serve with Parmesan Breadsticks or veggie soup.
- Potluck Favorite: Easy to double—and it always disappears fast!
🍽 Try These Simple Salads
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Cold Chicken Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Chicken Cooked, Shredded
- 1 ¾ Cups Whole Grain Penne Pasta
- 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes
- ½ Red Onion
- ¼ Cup Soy Sauce
- ¼ Cup Parmesan
- 2-3 Sprigs Basil
- 1 tablespoon Mustard
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian Herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Italian dressing by mixing soy sauce, mustard, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, olive oil, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and let it cool completely in a large bowl.
- Add the chopped cooked chicken to the cooled pasta.
- Toss in the chopped basil, grated Parmesan, thinly sliced red onion, prepared dressing, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Mix everything thoroughly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve your Chicken Pasta Salad chilled.
Notes
Nutrition
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So fresh, zesty, and satisfying—this is summer in a bowl!