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Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Fresh Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Zesty Balsamic Vinaigrette

A vibrant Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, packed with fresh veggies and protein—perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Use gluten-free rotini for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken Substitute with shrimp or chickpeas for varied flavor.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halve them for easier eating.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Dice for simple integration into the salad.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Thinly slice to balance flavor throughout.
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese Replace with goat cheese or omit for a vegan option.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Chop for even distribution of flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Swap half for Greek yogurt for creaminess.
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar Feel free to use red wine or apple cider vinegar.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Skip if you need a mustard-free option.
  • 1 tbsp Honey Substitute with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly choice.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Spoon

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Once ready, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Gently toss these vibrant ingredients together.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend well until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
  4. Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the pasta salad. Using a large spoon, gently toss the salad again, ensuring every piece is coated with the dressing.
  5. Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir and taste to adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Serve your Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad either chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Can be made a day in advance for even better taste.

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