COLD CHICKEN SPINACH PASTA SALAD
Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad is a refreshing, hearty dish packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pasta tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick, healthy lunches.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta optional
- ¼ cup olives optional
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Combine Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, spinach, tomatoes, onion, and cheese or olives if using.
Toss and Chill:
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Best when chilled for 1 hour before serving.
- Variations: Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
- Serving Suggestions: Great for lunchboxes, potlucks, or BBQ side dish.
- Allergy-Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese if needed.