Skip to main content

Personalized Pasta Salad

Bowl of spiral pasta, chicken and vegetables.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked pasta, such as macaroni or rotini
½ cup salad dressing 
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 medium bell pepper (any color), cut in 1-inch pieces
½ medium red onion, diced
1 can (4 ounces) sliced black olives

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Measure 6 cups of water into a large sauce pan.
  3. Bring water to a boil over high heat and add pasta. Cook until tender (about 8 to 10 minutes), stirring occasionally. Drain. Rinse with cold water to cool quickly. Drain well.
  4. Add dressing to pasta and toss lightly.
  5. Add meat and vegetables and toss again.
  6. Chill until ready to serve.
  7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Substitute cooked beef, pork, tuna, salmon, turkey, shrimp, or hard-boiled egg for the chicken.
  • Try Food Hero's Red Wine Vinaigrette for your salad dressing.

Comments

I thought this would be a great summer lunch recipe. I personalized it a little more and added canned artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, and green onions. I used a balsamic vinegarette dressing and topped it with a little more balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for added flavor. I used store-bought rotisserie chicken, which made this a quick and easy recipe. So flavorful, simple, and quick!

I used this recipe at an after school program and I had the kids choose their own add ins to the pasta so it was truly personalized. They loved it!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Harissa Spice Mix
Small bowl of a red spice mix.

Harissa Spice Mix

This homemade spice blend is great on meats and veggies. Have it on hand whenever you need it!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 Tablespoons
Roasted Parsnips
Tazón de palitos de chirivía dorada.

Roasted Parsnips

A great alternative to potatoes, these roasted parsnips are sweet, smokey and nutty.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Tuna Salad with Cucumber
Tuna and pea mix served over a bed of lettuce.

Tuna Salad with Cucumber

Bright and crunchy salad that is ready in about 15 minutes.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Bowl of warming soup made with cheddar cheese, carrots and broccoli.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Warm, creamy, cheese and veggie-filled, this soup is perfect for lunch or dinner any time of year.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Zucchini Salad
Bowl of seasoned zucchini and red onion slices.

Zucchini Salad

Quick and side with fresh vegetables, herbs and a lemon dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Whole-Wheat Yogurt Rolls
Platter of golden whole-wheat rolls.

Whole-Wheat Yogurt Rolls

Warm and toasty rolls in 30 minutes with only 4 ingredients.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
10 Rolls
Was this page helpful to you?