Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad

Indulge in this vibrant Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad, a satisfying meal that perfectly balances tender chicken, spiral pasta, and a medley of crisp vegetables. Tossed in a zesty, homemade honey-mustard dressing, it is the ultimate choice for a refreshing picnic or a light, wholesome lunch.

Merken

This salad is not only colorful but also highly versatile. The spiral pasta is ideal for capturing the creamy dressing, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you're serving it immediately or chilling it for later, it remains a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 250 g (9 oz) spiral pasta (fusilli or rotini)
• Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 300 g / 10 oz), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup cucumber (diced), 1/2 red bell pepper (diced), 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped), 1/4 cup celery (thinly sliced), 2 cups mixed salad greens (optional)
• Honey Mustard Dressing: 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
• Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then dice or slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, celery, and salad greens (if using).

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 6

Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to chill and meld flavors.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, try grilling the chicken or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. For a lighter version of the dressing, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to swap the vegetables as desired—sweet corn, peas, or shredded carrots are excellent additions. To make the dish gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free spiral pasta.

Serviervorschläge

This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing glass of iced tea. Serve it chilled for the best experience, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Merken

This Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad is a versatile staple that is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Enjoy the crunch, the creaminess, and the perfect balance of flavors in every bowl!