Zesty Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe for Hot Days

Chilled summer days call for a refreshing and easy cold chicken spinach pasta salad that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This vibrant dish combines tender chicken, crisp spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta in a delightful medley of textures.

Every forkful bursts with zesty herbs and a light, creamy dressing that complements the ingredients beautifully.

Protein-packed chicken provides a satisfying foundation for this cooling meal.

The fresh spinach adds a nutritious green punch that makes this salad both delicious and wholesome.

Prepare to impress your dining companions with this simple yet sophisticated summer classic that comes together in minutes.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and transform your weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 3

Simple Things For Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl With Crispy Rice

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation, choose a short shape like rotini or penne for perfect dressing absorption and easy mixing.

• Chicken, Spinach: Lean protein and nutrient-packed leafy green create a balanced, satisfying meal with robust flavors and nutritional punch.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness, select ripe, vibrant red tomatoes for juicy texture.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, crisp bite and beautiful color contrast, choose firm bulbs with no soft spots.
• Black Olives: Introduces briny Mediterranean essence, opt for pitted kalamata for rich, intense flavor.

• Feta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Tangy, salty cheese crumbles elevate the salad's complexity, selecting high-quality varieties enhances overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity base that binds ingredients, use extra virgin for best flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides bright, acidic balance, select authentic aged variety.
• Garlic: Delivers robust depth, choose fresh cloves for most potent flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds zesty kick and helps emulsify dressing, pick smooth, grainy style.
• Oregano: Introduces herbaceous Mediterranean note, dried works perfectly.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that amplify all other flavors.

Get Ready To Make Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl With Crispy Rice

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and creating enough space for water circulation.
• Colander: Crucial for draining pasta quickly and rinsing with cold water to stop cooking.
• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl needed to combine all salad ingredients and toss comfortably.
• Small Bowl/Jar: Perfect for whisking and mixing dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending dressing components and creating smooth, well-incorporated sauce.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice cherry tomatoes, onions, and prepare chicken precisely.

Making Your Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl With Crispy Rice

• Pasta Preparation

Cook pasta in salted water until tender. Drain and cool completely under cold water, ensuring each noodle feels refreshed and ready for the salad adventure.

• Flavor Fusion

Whip up a zesty dressing by blending olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Season with herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a mouthwatering liquid gold.

• Salad Symphony

Combine cooled pasta with tender chicken pieces, vibrant spinach leaves, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, and briny black olives. Gently mix these ingredients like a culinary conductor leading a delicious orchestra.

• Dressing Dance

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, making sure every ingredient gets a flavorful coating. Sprinkle a generous handful of tangy cheese to add a creamy finish.

• Chilling Moment

Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This cooling period allows all the flavors to mingle and become best friends, creating a refreshing and delectable dish perfect for any summer gathering.

Smart Ideas For Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl With Crispy Rice

• Flavor-Boosting Pasta Salad Secrets
• Smart Chicken Prep: Marinate chicken in the dressing for deeper flavor before cooking, ensuring each bite is packed with delicious Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Texture Game Changer: Toast pine nuts or sunflower seeds lightly to add a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the pasta salad's overall texture.
• Diet-Friendly Twists
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with chickpea or quinoa pasta for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
• Protein Power Switch: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, white beans, or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein alternative that keeps the salad satisfying.
• Temperature and Storage Hacks
• Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after 24 hours, allowing ingredients to blend and develop richer flavors. Perfect for meal prep and picnics.
• Freshness Tip: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to maintain vibrant color and deliver a burst of fresh flavor.
• Flavor Variation Playground
• Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and swap feta for a more intense Greek-inspired profile that transports your taste buds.

Perfect Pairings With Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl With Crispy Rice

• Picnic Paradise: Pack this vibrant pasta salad in a portable container for delightful outdoor dining experiences with friends and family.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Serve alongside hummus, pita bread, and tzatziki for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that celebrates fresh flavors.
• Protein Power Lunch: Transform this salad into a hearty work or school lunch by adding extra grilled chicken or chickpeas for increased protein content.
• Wine & Dine Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé to elevate the meal's overall taste and enjoyment.

Save Leftovers From Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl With Crispy Rice

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store this cold pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness, keeping it crisp and delicious for 3-4 days. The flavors will actually enhance and deepen during storage.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep dressing separate from salad components until serving time to maintain maximum crunchiness of vegetables and prevent soggy textures. Simply store dressing in a small sealed jar and mix just before enjoying.
• Portion Planning Hack: Divide salad into individual meal-prep containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Each container becomes a ready-to-eat nutritious meal that stays fresh and tasty throughout the workweek.
• Temperature Management Method: Always keep the pasta salad chilled below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth. Use ice packs in lunch bags or quickly return to refrigerator after serving to maintain food safety and quality.

Vibrant Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy cold chicken spinach pasta salad delivers Mediterranean flavors with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Fresh herbs and tangy dressing complement the pasta, creating a refreshing meal perfect for summer gatherings and light lunches.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (226 g) pasta (rotini, bowties, or penne)
• 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsps red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in heavily salted water until al dente, then rapidly cool under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
2. Vinaigrette Creation: Vigorously whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until the dressing transforms into a silky, uniform emulsion.
3. Ingredient Assembly: Combine cooled pasta, shredded chicken, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and black olives in a large mixing bowl, gently tossing to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
4. Dressing Integration: Delicately pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, using a light folding technique to coat each component without crushing the tender spinach leaves.
5. Cheese Garnish: Sprinkle crumbled feta or grated Parmesan across the salad, introducing a luxurious, tangy element to the dish.
6. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the completed salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a more intense flavor profile. Serve thoroughly chilled as a refreshing, nutritious meal.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Rinse pasta immediately with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticky, clumped noodles that can ruin the salad’s texture.
• Precise Chicken Preparation: Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent flavor in every forkful of the salad.
• Gentle Dressing Technique: Toss the salad carefully to avoid bruising delicate spinach leaves, using a light folding motion that coats ingredients without breaking down their fresh appearance.
• Flavor Marination Strategy: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the vinaigrette to penetrate the ingredients and develop a more complex, harmonious taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg