19 Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes for Lunch or Dinner

For me, a chicken pasta salad is the ultimate two-in-one meal. It’s hearty enough to be a full dinner but also packs perfectly for lunch the next day. I like that I can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time, and then just mix everything together when I’m ready.

These recipes are my solution for no-fuss meals that still feel complete and satisfying. Here are 19 chicken pasta salad recipes I rely on.

They are filling, full of flavor, and work just as well for a family dinner as they do for a weekday lunchbox.

1. Classic Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Chopped grilled chicken and elbow macaroni with celery, red onion, and peas in a creamy mayonnaise and herb dressing. This is my baseline recipe—simple, familiar, and always a hit.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 420
2. Protein: 28g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 18g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here to get the full recipe

2. Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

Shredded chicken and rotini pasta coated in a mix of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, with celery and blue cheese crumbles. I make this when I want something with a spicy, tangy kick.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 450
2. Protein: 30g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 18g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here to get the full recipe

3. Greek Chicken Orzo Salad

Grilled chicken strips and orzo pasta with cucumber, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a lemon oregano vinaigrette. It tastes fresh and light, not heavy at all.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 390
2. Protein: 32g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 4g

Click here to get the full recipe

4. BBQ Bacon Chicken Pasta Salad

Diced chicken and shell pasta with corn, black beans, crispy bacon, and a barbecue ranch dressing. The sweet and smoky flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser at summer cookouts.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 480
2. Protein: 35g
3. Carbs: 48g
4. Fat: 18g
5. Fiber: 5g

Click here to get the full recipe

5. Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken and farfalle pasta with a bright dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and lots of fresh dill and parsley. I add asparagus tips when they’re in season.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 370
2. Protein: 29g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here to get the full recipe

6. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Penne pasta, romaine lettuce, and grilled chicken tossed with Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons. It’s a deconstructed Caesar salad that’s easy to eat and very filling.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 430
2. Protein: 34g
3. Carbs: 44g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here to get the full recipe

7. Curry Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken and bowtie pasta with raisins, sliced almonds, and a creamy curry powder dressing. This one is a nice change of pace with its warm, sweet, and savory spices.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 410
2. Protein: 26g
3. Carbs: 46g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 4g

Click here to get the full recipe

8. Italian Chicken Antipasto Salad

Chopped chicken, rotini, salami, mozzarella balls, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers in a tangy Italian vinaigrette. It feels like a full charcuterie board in a pasta bowl.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 470
2. Protein: 33g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 21g
5. Fiber: 4g

Click here to get the full recipe

9. Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Diced chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and cheddar cheese with pasta in a creamy buttermilk ranch dressing. It has all the best parts of a club sandwich.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 460
2. Protein: 32g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 20g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here to get the full recipe

10. Asian Sesame Chicken Noodle Salad

Shredded chicken and chilled spaghetti or soba noodles with edamame, carrots, and a savory sesame ginger dressing. I top it with sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 390
2. Protein: 31g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 5g

Click here to get the full recipe

11. Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken and corkscrew pasta with a generous amount of basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts. It’s richly flavored but comes together in just a few minutes.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 440
2. Protein: 30g
3. Carbs: 36g
4. Fat: 21g
5. Fiber: 3g

Click here to get the full recipe

12. Southwest Chicken Fiesta Salad

Chicken, pasta shells, black beans, corn, and bell peppers in a creamy cilantro lime dressing. This is my go-to for a protein and fiber-packed meal that lasts all week.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 410
2. Protein: 34g
3. Carbs: 52g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 8g

Click here to get the full recipe

13. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Salad

Chopped chicken, small pasta like rotini, and steamed broccoli florets in a simple garlic and lemon vinaigrette. It’s a wholesome, veggie-forward option.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 350
2. Protein: 28g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 5g

Click here to get the full recipe

14. Chipotle Lime Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken and pasta tossed in a creamy, smoky dressing made with chipotle peppers in adobo and lime juice. I add avocado and corn for extra texture.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 430
2. Protein: 30g
3. Carbs: 46g
4. Fat: 16g
5. Fiber: 6g

Click here to get the full recipe

15. Chicken Parmesan Pasta Salad

Breaded chicken cutlet pieces, penne pasta, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes with a marinara vinaigrette. It’s a fun, cold twist on the classic baked dish.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 480
2. Protein: 35g
3. Carbs: 50g
4. Fat: 17g
5. Fiber: 4g

Click here to get the full recipe

16. Chicken Waldorf Pasta Salad

Diced chicken, pasta, apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts in a light yogurt and mayonnaise dressing. The sweet fruit and crunchy nuts make it interesting.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 380
2. Protein: 26g
3. Carbs: 44g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 4g

Click here to get the full recipe

17. Greek Yogurt Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken and pasta in a lighter, protein-rich dressing made from Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning, and lemon. I stir in peas and carrots for color.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 35g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 4g

Click here to get the full recipe

18. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

A classic combination of chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and pasta in a creamy ranch dressing. This is the recipe I’m always asked to bring to potlucks.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 490
2. Protein: 36g
3. Carbs: 39g
4. Fat: 21g
5. Fiber: 2g

Click here to get the full recipe

19. Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Couscous Salad

Grilled chicken and pearl couscous with chickpeas, cucumber, and feta in a lemon dill vinaigrette. It’s a lighter, grain-based salad that still feels like a complete meal.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 400
2. Protein: 33g
3. Carbs: 48g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 7g

Click here to get the full recipe