Chicken Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt and Veggies Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish perfect for warm days or as a light meal any time. Combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, it’s both satisfying and easy to make.

A white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad layered with pale beige spiral pasta at the base, topped with bright red cherry tomato halves, yellow corn kernels, small light green celery pieces, and chunks of white chicken. Scattered finely chopped purple onions and sprigs of green herbs add detail, with a light dressing that gives a slightly glossy texture. The dish is sprinkled with coarse black pepper, and a silver serving spoon is partially visible on the side. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, next to a salmon-pink cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces fusilli (or rotini pasta)
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ red onion (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large serving bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, diced red onion, chopped dill, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Add the cooked pasta to the dressing and stir to combine. Then top with diced chicken, halved grape tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, and thawed corn. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  4. Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing before mixing.
  • You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Try swapping Italian seasoning for fresh basil or oregano for a different herb profile.
  • Add diced cucumbers or olives for more texture and taste.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving leftovers, stir well and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to bring out the flavors. Avoid freezing as the yogurt-based dressing may separate.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad featuring three layers: the bottom layer of creamy white rotini pasta, the middle layer of bright red halved cherry tomatoes, yellow corn kernels, and small pieces of light green celery, and the top layer of purple diced red onions mixed with chopped fresh green herbs sprinkled evenly; chunks of grilled chicken pieces with a light brown sear are scattered throughout. A silver fork held by a woman's hand lifts a mix of pasta, chicken, tomatoes, and vegetables from the bowl, all set on a white marbled surface with a large white bowl of extra pasta salad blurred in the background, and a soft brown cloth napkin at the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, mayonnaise can be used, but Greek yogurt makes the dressing lighter and adds a pleasant tangy flavor.

Is it okay to prepare the salad in advance?

Absolutely. Preparing the salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to develop, but it’s best to add delicate ingredients like tomatoes just before serving to keep them fresh.

Print
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Chicken Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt and Veggies Recipe


  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for light lunches or picnics. Featuring tender fusilli pasta tossed with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, diced cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs, it combines bright flavors and satisfying textures. The salad is chilled to meld the flavors before serving, making it a delicious and healthy option for warm days or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fusilli (or rotini) pasta

Dressing

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ red onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Salad Mix-Ins

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
  2. Make the dressing: In a large serving bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, diced red onion, fresh dill, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
  3. Combine pasta and dressing: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and gently toss to fully coat the pasta in the creamy mixture.
  4. Add the salad ingredients: Layer the diced cooked chicken, halved grape tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, and thawed corn on top of the dressed pasta. Toss everything together carefully until the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with dressing.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill for a refreshing taste.

Notes

  • To save time, use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast for the salad.
  • Thoroughly rinsing the pasta under cold water helps stop the cooking process and cools it for the salad.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for convenience.
  • Add extra fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an additional flavor boost.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken pasta salad, fusilli pasta salad, Greek yogurt dressing, cold pasta salad, healthy pasta salad

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