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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Dinner ยป Dinner Salads

    Chicken Pasta Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette

    Published: Sep 29, 2016 ยท Updated: Jul 18, 2023 by Neil 8 Comments

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    A bowl of chicken pasta salad with a jug of tomato vinaigrette being poured over. Pin title text overlay at top.
    A bowl of chicken pasta salad with tomato vinaigrette being poured over from a jug.

    This chicken pasta salad is so delicious and easy to make. With a tangy dressing it's perfect either warm or cold!

    A bowl of chicken pasta salad ready to have the tomato vinaigrette added.

    I feel this chicken pasta salad with tomato vinaigrette may well be the last salad this year.

    At least that's how I feel at the moment with the combination of the rain pouring down and the wind howling outside.

    Not a great sign already for things possibly to come when we're only just about to creep into October!

    Anyway, let's not get negative or carried away with how it is because as you know, that's not what we do here. We just get on with things.

    So, this chicken pasta salad with tomato vinaigrette is a combination that I like, as opposed to that weather combination one mentioned earlier.

    And, do you know when some combinations just go SO well together? Yeah? Well this salad combination with it's zingy tomato vinaigrette does just that!

    Close up of a bowl of chicken pasta salad with a fork in ready to have the vinaigrette added.

    I mean OK it took me trying about 4 different combinations to get this salad together.

    The actual tomato vinaigrette part I found easy. I just experimented with a few basic kitchen cupboard ingredients and voila that part came together.

    But it was through trying out different combinations of potatoes and various veg with the salad that I got stuck.

    Finally settling on the whole wheat penne pasta which I found went perfectly with the chicken salad and tomato vinaigrette, was a relief!

    I figured this chicken pasta salad with a flavourful vinaigrette would just be a nice and easy one today.

    I've been through the difficulties myself to make it easy for you. 😉

    It's completely versatile with the chicken and pasta being either warm or cold. too.

    You'll find the delicious, tangy tomato vinaigrette in this chicken salad perfectly versatile and an ideal way to liven up your other pasta salad recipes too!

    I guarantee this will fill you up if you had it as a packed lunch, right up until dinner time. How can I guarantee that? From experience! 🙂

    Tomato vinaigrette being poured over the chicken pasta salad from a jug.
    Jump to:
    • ๐Ÿ‘ช Why You Should Make This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad
    • ๐Ÿฅ˜ Ingredients
    • ๐Ÿ”ช Step By Step Instructions
    • ๐Ÿ“– Substitutions
    • ๐Ÿ’ญ FAQ's
    • ๐Ÿฅ— More Healthy Salad Recipes For You To Try
    • ๐Ÿ“‹ Chicken Pasta Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette Recipe
    • ๐Ÿงพ Nutrition Label
    • โญ Rate The Recipe

    👪 Why You Should Make This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad

    • Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting the immune system, and maintaining muscle mass.
    • Whole Grains: Whole wheat pasta provides complex carbohydrates and fibre helping to support digestive health.
    • Vitamins and Minerals: The red bell pepper, red onion, and lemon juice in the salad contain essential vitamins and minerals such as as vitamin C, vitamin A, and various B vitamins, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.
    • Healthy Fats: Extra virgin olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. These fats can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.
    • Weight Management: The combination of lean protein, fiber-rich whole grains, and nutrient-dense vegetables can make this chicken pasta salad a filling and good option for weight loss as part of a balanced diet.

    🥘 Ingredients

    • Cooked Chicken Breasts
    • Whole Wheat Penne Pasta
    • Red Bell Pepper
    • Red Onion
    • Tomato Paste
    • White Wine Vinegar
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • Lemon Juice

    See recipe card for quantities.

    🔪 Step By Step Instructions

    Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below. But here is a quick step by step guide of how to make this easy healthy chicken pasta salad recipe:

    1. Arrange the salad on a serving plate / bowl.
    2. Place all the tomato vinaigrette ingredients into a small bowl and whisk together.
    3. Pour the tomato vinaigrette over the salad and combine everything together, then serve.

    📖 Substitutions

    • Cooked Chicken Breasts - I use boneless skinless chicken breasts that I cook and then shred with a fork. You could also use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken.
    • Whole Wheat Penne Pasta - I use whole wheat to keep this chicken pasts salad healthy. You could use any kind though although that will alter the nutritional label.
    • Red Bell Pepper - use any kind of bell pepper you like. Or a mixture of red, green and orange.
    • Red Onion - you could use spring onions or scallions instead.
    • Tomato Paste - you could use tomato sauce or tomato puree instead.
    • White Wine Vinegar - you could use red wine vinegar or cider vinegar instead.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil - use only a good quality olive oil for salads.
    • Lemon Juice - freshly squeezed lemon juice is best.

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    💭 FAQ's

    How Many Calories Are In Chicken Pasta Salad?

    There are 332 calories in this healthy chicken pasta salad.

    How To Store?

    This salad is best eaten the same day it is made. I don't recommend keeping it in the fridge for any more than 2 days. If you do keep it in the fridge store it in an air tight container and stir well before serving.

    Can You Freeze?

    No. I do not recommend freezing chicken pasta salad.

    How To Serve With Chicken Pasta Salad?

    The salad is completely versatile and you can add other ingredients if you like. Try serving it as a side with different types of meat or fish. It's great as an accompaniment to a BBQ as well!

    Can Pasta Salad Be Eaten Hot Or Cold?

    It doesn't matter. Hot is great and the dressing makes it an amazing tangy tomato pasta salad. Cold chicken pasta salad tastes great too and is ideal as a recipe for a packed lunch!

    🥗 More Healthy Salad Recipes For You To Try

    Healthy Macaroni Salad
    This healthy macaroni salad recipe has all the flavours and creaminess that you would expect from the classic salad but made with a lower calorie dressing.
    Check out this recipe
    This healthy macaroni salad recipe has all the flavours and creaminess that you would expect from the classic salad but made with a lower calorie dressing.
    📋 Bulgur Chickpea Salad
    This bulgur chickpea salad has a lovely creamy yogurt and fresh herb dressing, and combined with all the fresh ingredients it makes such a nutritious, filling dish.
    Check out this recipe
    This bulgur chickpea salad has a lovely creamy yogurt and fresh herb dressing, and combined with all the fresh ingredients it makes such a nutritious, filling dish.
    Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
    Mediterranean chickpea salad is an easy, budget and vibrant salad simply bursting with flavour.
    Check out this recipe
    Mediterranean chickpea salad is an easy, budget and vibrant salad simply bursting with flavour. This is the perfect all year round salad to remind you of sunny days and warm climates even though it may not be the same outside!
    Cherry Tomato Salad
    Cherry tomato salad is the perfect summer side dish for your BBQ. Here they're made even more delicious with a sweet and tangy dressing!
    Check out this recipe
    A bowl of cherry tomato salad with a bowl of cucumber, sliced bread and cold meat platter alongside.
    📋 Leftover Chicken Macaroni Salad
    Leftover chicken macaroni salad. An easy to make delicious low-cost creamy pasta salad. Perfect as a busy weeknight meal or as a side!
    Check out this recipe
    A plate of leftover chicken macaroni salad. Rest of the salad in a serving bowl in the background. Salt and pepper cellars and cherry tomatoes in between.
      Chicken pasta salad with tomato vinaigrette is just the thing when you're looking for a quick healthy meal. Ideal as either a lunch or a dinner option, you'll find the delicious, tangy tomato vinaigrette perfectly versatile and an ideal way to liven up your other pasta salad recipes too!
      Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
      5 from 1 vote

      📋 Chicken Pasta Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette Recipe

      This chicken pasta salad is so delicious and easy to make. With a tangy dressing it's perfect either warm or cold!
      Prep Time15 minutes mins
      Total Time15 minutes mins
      Course: Dinner, Lunch
      Cuisine: International
      Servings: 2
      Calories: 332kcal
      Author: Neil

      The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

      This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

      If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

      Equipment

      • Kitchen scale
      • Chopping board
      • Kitchen knives
      • Measuring spoons

      Ingredients

      Salad Ingredients

      • 2 cooked chicken breasts , chopped (roughly 150g each)
      • 150 g cooked whole wheat penne pasta
      • 1 red bell pepper , sliced
      • ½ small red onion , sliced

      Tomato Vinaigrette Ingredients

      • 2 teaspoon tomato paste
      • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
      • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
      • 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
      • 2 tablespoon water
      Metric - US Customary

      Instructions

      • Arrange the salad on a serving plate / bowl.
      • Place all the tomato vinaigrette ingredients into a small bowl and whisk together.
      • Pour the tomato vinaigrette over the salad and combine everything together, then serve.
      Prevent your screen from going dark

      Nutrition

      Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 53.4g | Protein: 10.3g | Fat: 8.3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 58.2mg | Fiber: 9.7g | Sugar: 6.9g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 115.5mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.5mg

      🧾 Nutrition Label

      Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

      Nutrition Facts
      📋 Chicken Pasta Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette
      Amount Per Serving
      Calories 332 Calories from Fat 75
      % Daily Value*
      Fat 8.3g13%
      Saturated Fat 1g6%
      Sodium 58.2mg3%
      Carbohydrates 53.4g18%
      Fiber 9.7g40%
      Sugar 6.9g8%
      Protein 10.3g21%
      Vitamin A 550IU11%
      Vitamin C 115.5mg140%
      Calcium 10mg1%
      Iron 0.5mg3%
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

      ⭐ Rate The Recipe

      If you’ve made this healthy chicken pasta salad recipe, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

        September 29, 2016 at 11:37 am

        O I love an easy pasta (and chicken) dish! This would make such a great light meal!

        Reply
        • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

          September 29, 2016 at 8:51 pm

          It's exactly intended to do that.

          Thanks Rebecca ๐Ÿ™‚

          Reply
      2. rachel @ athletic avocado

        September 29, 2016 at 12:19 pm

        That tomato vinaigrette sounds absolutely incredible! Love that this salad is hearty enough for a filling lunch! pinning this ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
        • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

          September 29, 2016 at 8:52 pm

          Thanks so much Rachel.

          The flavour and taste you get from the super easy tomato vinaigrette is just amazing!

          Hope you enjoy. ๐Ÿ™‚

          Reply
      3. GiGi Eats

        September 30, 2016 at 3:26 am

        I'd make this dish with some spaghetti squash for sure! I have never met chicken I don't like! ha!

        Reply
        • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

          September 30, 2016 at 4:59 am

          Sounds great Gigi!

          This dish is totally versatile to change in anyway to suit, and I love your idea of making it with some spaghetti squash!

          Reply
      4. Shashi at RunninSrilankan

        October 05, 2016 at 12:28 pm

        Neil, this salad sounds perfect for a quick weeknight dinner - and that tomato vinaigrette is so intriguing!
        Sorry to hear bad weather is already there and ruined y'alls hike. But am super impressed in those people out there working on the paths even in such bad weather! By the way, how did your 10k go? Am a bit behind catching up with posts so I see this was last week. Also, by the way, if y'all are looking for some heat and sun - head on down to Atlanta - it's been blue skies and 80s here - and it's October!

        Reply
        • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

          October 05, 2016 at 2:37 pm

          Hey Shashi, you and me are both behind catching up on posts, no worries. ๐Ÿ™‚

          Thanks for your comments about my recipe, and the weather, oh well it just goes with the territory when living in Scotland, lol

          My 10k went really well thanks and I beat my time. So I've said a little about it in tomorrow's post "baked turkey meatballs in tomato and chilli sauce".

          Thanks again and hope to catch up with your posts over the weekend. ๐Ÿ™‚

          Reply
      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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