Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant, satisfying salad featuring tender chicken, spiral pasta, and crisp vegetables tossed in a zesty honey-mustard dressing—perfect for picnics or a light meal.

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This American-style dish combines healthy proteins and carbohydrates with a colorful array of vegetables, ensuring a balanced and filling meal for four people.

Ingredients

• 250 g (9 oz) spiral pasta (fusilli or rotini)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 300 g / 10 oz)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 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)
• 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
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1.

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

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.

3.

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

4.

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

5.

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

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, grill the chicken instead of pan-frying, or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Make sure to rinse the pasta in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Swap vegetables as desired by adding sweet corn, peas, or shredded carrots for extra crunch. For a lighter version of the dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. If needed, use gluten-free spiral pasta.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea. Garnish generously with fresh parsley right before serving.

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With 410 calories and 28g of protein per serving, this Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad is a wholesome choice that doesn't compromise on taste.

Perfect for frying eggs, sautéing vegetables, and simmering small-batch sauces for quick everyday meals.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all components ahead and refrigerate separately. Combine and dress the salad up to 2 hours before serving for best results. Store undressed leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions, then rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents overcooking and helps the pasta maintain its texture when tossed with dressing.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, farfalle, or rotini work wonderfully. Choose shapes with texture that hold the dressing well. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free pasta following the same cooking instructions.

→ What are good vegetable substitutions?

Swap in corn, peas, shredded carrots, avocado, radishes, or roasted beets based on season and preference. Raw vegetables add crunch while roasted ones provide deeper flavor. Use about 4-5 cups total vegetable volume.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo in the dressing for similar creaminess. All other ingredients are naturally dairy-free. Check that your mustard and honey are certified dairy-free if needed.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the bright honey-mustard flavors beautifully. Alternatively, serve with iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a light rosé for warm-weather meals.