Chicken Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
In short: Short pasta, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and mozzarella pearls in a lemon dressing, finished with fresh basil. Packs well for picnics. It takes about 32 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 32 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 470 kcal
Pasta salad is easy to make for a crowd and tastes better after a short rest in the fridge, when the pasta has soaked up some dressing. This version adds shredded chicken and mozzarella pearls so it works as a full meal, with cherry tomatoes and cucumber for freshness. The dressing is a simple whisked mix of olive oil, lemon, vinegar, garlic and mustard, and the basil goes in at the end. Salt the pasta water well so the pasta itself is seasoned.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the package says, until just al dente.
- Meanwhile, whisk the dressing ingredients in a large bowl.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking. Shake off the excess water.
- Add the pasta to the dressing and toss to coat. Leave it for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Add the chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella and onion and fold everything together.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes if you can. Stir in the basil just before serving, and add a splash of lemon juice or oil if the salad has dried out.
Tips
- Pasta soaks up dressing as it sits, so keep a little extra olive oil and lemon juice to loosen the salad before serving.
- Feta or diced cheddar can replace the mozzarella. Olives or roasted peppers make good additions, and pesto can replace half the dressing.
Questions and answers
How long does chicken pasta salad keep?
Refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Keep it cold at picnics with an ice pack.
Can I make it ahead for a party?
Yes. Make it up to 24 hours ahead without the basil, and stir the basil in just before serving.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes. Choose a sturdy corn or rice pasta and rinse it well, since gluten-free pasta turns sticky when cold.
How long does it take to make Chicken Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
About 32 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chicken Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
About 470 kcal per serving, with 31 g of protein, 43 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 470 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
