Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy a light, refreshing pasta salad. And this bistro chicken pasta salad is no exception!
It’s loaded with lots of delicious ingredients, like grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Plus, it’s tossed in a homemade vinaigrette that’s perfect for summertime.
So if you’re looking for a tasty new pasta salad to try out this season, be sure to give this one a go! You won’t regret it.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal to make that’s sure to impress, this bistro chicken pasta salad is a perfect choice. This recipe combines tender bites of fresh roasted chicken with flavorful vegetables in a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
It’s served over fusilli noodles and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like tomatoes or olives.
The best part? You can enjoy it right out of the fridge! There is no need to heat the oven on those hot summer days when you want something cool and refreshing.
Just toss everything together, mix up an easy dressing, pour it over some cold pasta noodles, and let them soak in all that flavor for as little as 20 minutes before topping with chopped parsley or basil leaves if you want!
How To Prepare Bistro Chicken Pasta Salad?
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta noodles
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup pitted and chopped kalamata olives
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 avocado, diced
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and basil. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Cook pasta noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
4. In a large bowl, combine pasta noodles with cooked chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, green onions, kalamata olives, and avocado.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and olive oil until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour over noodle-chicken mixture and stir until fully combined.
6. Serve cold or at room temperature with chopped parsley on top, if desired.
Notes:
- Turn this salad into a meal prep by placing it in an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 5 days.
- You can replace kalamata olives with green ones or even black olives if you prefer.
Nutrition Fact Of Bistro Chicken Pasta Salad
Serving size: 1 bowl
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 490 |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 470mg |
| Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 32g |
5 Health Benefits Of Bistro Chicken Pasta Salad
Cold pasta salad is not only delicious but healthy-friendly too! This bistro chicken pasta salad is brimming with fresh veggies, lean protein, and nourishing thanks to creamy mayo.
Here are 5 amazing health benefits that this dish has to offer.
1. High Protein Levels
We all know that high protein diets are ideal for weight loss and muscle gain, but what you may not know is that pasta salads can be a great way to incorporate more protein into your diet.
This bistro chicken pasta salad has over 30 grams of protein, making it a perfect choice if you’re looking to refuel after a workout or pack in some extra nutrients.
2. Boosts Immunity
Salads are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals, and this dish is no exception.
The combination of chicken, tomatoes, onions, and olives provides a wealth of antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and protect against disease.
3. Improves Heart Health
This dish’s combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber makes it a heart-healthy choice. Fiber helps keep your heart healthy by lowering cholesterol levels and promoting regularity, while healthy fats help improve blood flow and decrease the risk of heart disease.
4. Good for Digestion
This pasta salad is also a great source of fiber, which helps improve digestion and is important for helping you feel full.
A diet rich in fiber can also help alleviate digestive issues like constipation and cramps while promoting overall gut health.
5. Boosts Energy Levels
As well as containing iron, this pasta salad contains Vitamin C, making it great if you’re looking for a natural energy boost.
Vitamin C is essential for energy production and helps to protect the body against oxidative stress, which can lead to fatigue.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy pasta salad as a main course or as a side dish at your next barbecue! It’s sure to be a hit with both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy pasta salad that’s also pretty easy to make, then this bistro chicken pasta salad is a perfect choice.
It’s brimming with nutrients and provides 5 amazing health benefits that your body will thank you for!
