Name: Italian Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb dry rotini pasta; 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup shredded Rotisserie chicken; 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved); 8 oz whole milk mozzarella (diced); 1 red bell pepper (diced); ½ English cucumber (diced); 1 red onion (sliced); 1/2 cup olives (deseeded and halved); ½ cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tsp sea salt; Black pepper (to taste); 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tbsp white wine vinegar; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp paprika powder; Salt and black pepper (to taste); 1 tsp lemon juice

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate colorful and flavor-packed dish that brings a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table, this Italian Chicken Pasta Salad will quickly become your new go-to. Imagine juicy rotisserie chicken, al dente rotini, crisp veggies, creamy mozzarella, and a zippy homemade Italian dressing—all mingling together for a meal that’s equal parts satisfying and refreshing. Whether it’s a light family lunch, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a make-ahead weeknight dinner, this vibrant Italian Chicken Pasta Salad never fails to please every palate.

Italian Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is how its simple, everyday ingredients work in harmony to deliver layers of texture, color, and bright Italian flavor. Each component offers a little something special, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last.

Dry rotini pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta traps the dressing and veggies, making every forkful packed with flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Prevents the pasta from sticking after cooking and adds a touch of richness.
Rotisserie chicken (shredded): Offers an easy, protein-packed shortcut with incredible flavor and tenderness.
Cherry tomatoes (halved): Bring a burst of juiciness and bright acidity with every bite.
Whole milk mozzarella (diced): Adds creamy, mild richness that balances out the tangy dressing.
Red bell pepper (diced): Lends a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the salad.
English cucumber (diced): Gives a fresh, cooling crispness that lightens the whole dish.
Red onion (sliced): Injects a sharp, zesty bite that becomes mellow and sweet as it mingles with the dressing.
Olives (deseeded and halved): Add a briny, salty depth that’s so classic in Italian salads.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Packs a punch of herbal freshness and a pop of green.
Sea salt: Elevates and draws out the flavors of every other ingredient.
Black pepper (to taste): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
Fresh basil leaves: Brings an unmistakable sweet-and-spicy aroma that is pure Italian sunshine.
Olive oil (for dressing): Forms the luscious foundation for the dressing, binding all the flavors together.
White wine vinegar: Offers a tangy, crisp acidity essential for well-balanced dressing.
Garlic powder: Provides warm, mellow garlic notes without any chopping required.
Dried oregano: Infuses that signature Italian herb flavor we all crave.
Dried basil: Layers in extra herby goodness to echo the fresh basil.
Paprika powder: Gives a whisper of smokiness and a dash of color.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Keeps the flavors perfectly seasoned.
Lemon juice: Adds a final, subtle zing to brighten everything up.

How to Make Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking your rotini pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water. Keeping the pasta al dente is key—you want it firm enough to hold up under the dressing and mix-ins, so watch it carefully and check at the lower end of the package instructions.

Step 2: Cool the Pasta

Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, drain it well and drizzle it with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. Toss it gently so each piece gets coated, which stops it from clumping together. Let the pasta cool completely to room temperature before combining with the other ingredients to prevent a soggy salad.

Step 3: Toss the Salad Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your cooled rotini, shredded rotisserie chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, olives, and chopped parsley. Don’t forget a generous handful of fresh basil and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper. Toss everything together so the flavors start to mingle.

Step 4: Make the Italian Dressing

In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika powder, salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix vigorously until emulsified—the aroma will instantly transport you to an Italian garden!

Step 5: Dress and Finish the Salad

Pour the homemade Italian dressing all over the pasta and toppings. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece is glossy and dressed. For a finishing touch, scatter a few extra basil leaves on top before serving your irresistible Italian Chicken Pasta Salad.

How to Serve Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, crown your salad with more fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a hint of grated Parmesan. These little touches enhance both the flavor and visual appeal, making your Italian Chicken Pasta Salad look and taste truly special.

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta salad with warm garlic bread, a simple green salad, or grilled veggies for a complete meal. The bright, herby flavors of the salad play well with just about any classic Italian side, and it also fits perfectly alongside roasted meats.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Italian Chicken Pasta Salad in a big family-style bowl for sharing, or spoon it into individual mason jars for a picnic or potluck. For a more elegant occasion, consider arranging portions on a bed of arugula with extra mozzarella pearls and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful centerpiece dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Chicken Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, so it’s often even tastier the next day. Give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge, rather than frozen. Freezing can alter the texture of the vegetables and cheese, making them watery or mushy once thawed. For the freshest results, prepare only what you’ll eat in a few days.

Reheating

Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If it’s just out of the fridge, letting it sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes before serving brings the flavors back to life.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Chicken Pasta Salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the rotisserie chicken and, if you like, add in a can of drained chickpeas or extra mozzarella and roasted veggies for a hearty vegetarian version.

What other pasta shapes can I use?

Rotini works beautifully because of its spirals, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle are all great options. Just make sure it’s a shape that can hold onto lots of flavorful dressing!

Is it possible to use a store-bought dressing?

Yes, if you’re short on time, a high-quality Italian vinaigrette will do the trick. But the homemade dressing in this recipe really makes the Italian Chicken Pasta Salad sing with fresh flavor.

What’s the best way to shred rotisserie chicken?

Let the chicken cool slightly, then use two forks to pull the meat apart along the natural grain. This creates bite-sized, tender pieces that mix beautifully into the salad.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in artichoke hearts, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even blanched asparagus if you’re feeling adventurous. Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is wonderfully flexible.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving on warm days, busy nights, or any time you want something that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor. Give it a try, tweak as you please, and feel free to make it your own—the best meals are the ones that invite a little fun and creativity into your kitchen!

Italian Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of tender rotini pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. It’s a perfect dish for a light lunch or a flavorful side at any gathering.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta until al dente, then drain and toss with olive oil.
Prepare the Salad: Combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, olives, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Make the Dressing: Mix together olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and garnish with basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Salad
Method: Mixing, Tossing
Cuisine: Italian