Looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion? This Cold Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a crowd-pleaser! Packed with tender chicken, pasta, and zesty Italian dressing, it's a simple chicken pasta salad recipe you'll love whipping up for picnics, potlucks, or a quick family dinner.

Why Make Cold Chicken Pasta Salad
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, it’s a breeze to customize with your favorite veggies!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of this healthy cold pasta salad, and you’ll have a tasty, ready-to-eat lunch or dinner option all week long.
- Family Favorite: The combination of tender chicken, pasta, and zesty dressing is always a hit, even with picky eaters—everyone will be asking for seconds!
If you love this pasta salads then be sure to check out our Rotisserie Chicken Salad, this tasty Greek Feta Pasta Salad and our favorite Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette. You'll also want to try our recipe for Cowboy Butter Pasta In Creamy Sauce.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need for Italian Chicken Pasta Salad.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken:Tender, flavorful protein that makes the salad hearty and satisfying. Perfect for using leftovers or a quick rotisserie shortcut!
- Whole Grain Penne Pasta: A wholesome, hearty base that’s full of texture and a great way to keep things filling and nutritious.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Little bursts of freshness and juiciness that brighten up every bite.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp, zesty bite for a nice contrast to the milder flavors.
- Soy Sauce: A splash of umami goodness that gives this salad a unique depth of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, savory, and a little indulgent, it ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Basil: Fresh and aromatic, this herb takes the salad’s flavor to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Dijon Mustard: A tangy little kick that wakes up the entire dish—small but mighty!
- Garlic, Minced: The savory backbone of the salad, adding rich depth and irresistible aroma.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth and silky, it gives the salad a light richness that’s hard to beat.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The finishing touch to enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant mix of flavors that add complexity and that classic Italian charm.
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.
How To Make Cold Chicken Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
Step One: Prepare the Italian dressing by mixing soy sauce, mustard, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, olive oil, and minced garlic in a bowl.
Step Two: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and let it cool completely in a large bowl.
Step Three: Add the chopped cooked chicken to the cooled pasta.
Step Four: Toss in the chopped basil, grated Parmesan, thinly sliced red onion, prepared dressing, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Step Five: Mix everything thoroughly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step Six: Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve your Chicken Pasta Salad chilled.
Tips And Tricks
If you want to make your chicken pasta salad cold quickly try the following:
- 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.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store your chicken pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
- Avoid Freezing: This salad isn’t ideal for freezing since the pasta and dressing can become mushy once thawed.
- Separate Dressing: If making ahead, store the homemade Italian dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving to maintain its fresh texture and flavor.
You may find the following article useful: Can You Freeze Pasta Salad?
Serving Suggestions
Here are some great serving suggestions for your Italian Dressing Pasta Salad.
- Snack Time Treat: Enjoy a small bowl as an afternoon snack when you need something light and tasty.
- Perfect Picnic Dish: This cold pasta salad is a hit at picnics! Pack it up, and everyone will love the fresh, zesty flavors.
- Lunchbox Ready: It’s a great make-ahead option for school or work lunches—simple, filling, and delicious!
- Family Dinner Side: Serve it alongside warm Breadsticks or a bowl of hearty vegetable soup for a cozy meal.
- Potluck Favorite: Bring it to potlucks or gatherings—it’s easy to make, and there’s never a bite left!
FAQ'S
Both options work wonderfully for this recipe! Chicken breasts are perfect if you prefer freshly cooked, seasoned chicken—just boil, bake, or cook grilled chicken breast to your liking and shred or chop it into bite-size pieces.
On the other hand, rotisserie chicken is a convenient, flavorful option that saves time and adds a deliciously seasoned touch. Choose whichever suits your schedule and taste!
Yes, this recipe uses whole-grain penne pasta but you can use any pasta you prefer! Common choices include rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta, as they hold the dressing well. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
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.
You can customize the salad with add-ins like bell peppers, olives, cucumbers, or gerkins. For extra protein, toss in Hard Boiled Eggs or chickpeas.
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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