Elevate your lunch or dinner routine with this vibrant Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad, a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and refreshing flavors. Tender grilled chicken seasoned with garlic, paprika, and spices pairs beautifully with al dente penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty homemade lemon-Dijon vinaigrette, this salad is bursting with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Fresh basil adds a fragrant finish, while the customizable prep makes it great for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep. Ready in just 45 minutes and packed with protein and veggies, this easy pasta salad is a must-try for any occasion!
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, 0.5 teaspoons of salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture onto the chicken breasts.
Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from grill, allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
While the chicken is grilling, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the basil leaves.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, basil, and crumbled feta cheese.
To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to chill before serving. Enjoy!
Serving size | 1341 grams (1341.0g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2507 |
Total Fat 92.30g | 118% |
Saturated Fat 22.40g | 112% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.80g | |
Cholesterol 363mg | 121% |
Sodium 3613mg | 157% |
Total Carbohydrate 257.90g | 94% |
Dietary Fiber 17.30g | 62% |
Total Sugars 19.10g | |
Protein 161.30g | 323% |
Vitamin D 16IU | 78% |
Calcium 508mg | 39% |
Iron 17mg | 96% |
Potassium 2615mg | 56% |
Source of Calories