Chicken Pasta Salad
A flavorful chicken pasta salad with feta, spinach, bacon, red onion, and tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Servings: 6
Calories: 403kcal
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 oz small pasta bowtie, cellentani, rotini, or shells
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded or chopped
- 4-6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach roughly chopped
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 Tablespoon Fresh dill
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1-2 Tablespoons Agave or honey
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dill weed
- 1/2 Tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, agave, Italian seasoning, dill weed, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, spinach, red onion, tomatoes, dill and feta cheese.
Toss & Chill
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve
- Give it a quick toss before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more dressing if you want it to be saucier.
Notes
Tips for Success
Cool your pasta completely so it doesn’t wilt the spinach or melt the feta
Thinly slice the onion to avoid overpowering bites
Add dressing in stages if making ahead—reserve a little to freshen it up before serving Variations & Add-Ins Swap feta for goat cheese or shredded parmesan
Toss in avocado right before serving for extra creaminess
Use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie for a smoky flavor
Thinly slice the onion to avoid overpowering bites
Add dressing in stages if making ahead—reserve a little to freshen it up before serving Variations & Add-Ins Swap feta for goat cheese or shredded parmesan
Toss in avocado right before serving for extra creaminess
Use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie for a smoky flavor
Nutrition
Calories: 403kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 423mg | Potassium: 209mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1194IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 2mg