This easy Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, fresh, and hearty ingredients. Packed with tender chicken breast, crispy vegetables, and orzo pasta, it’s dressed in a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice for a tangy, flavorful bite. This healthy chicken pasta salad is not only a great addition to summer BBQs and picnics but also a quick and satisfying meal for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re looking for a light chicken salad or a hearty pasta dish, this versatile recipe is sure to please. Easy pasta salad recipes like this one are great for meal prepping and make for a delicious side or main dish. Chicken pasta salad with veggies is a nutritious and flavorful choice that everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Pasta Salad:

1 large chicken breast, trimmed
8 oz (3 cups) cooked orzo pasta
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained, or kernels from 2 cooked corn on the cob
4 boiled eggs, diced
1 red or orange bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, julienned or grated
3/4 cup green onion (or red onion), finely chopped
4-5 small garden cucumbers, or 1 English cucumber, diced

For the Salad Dressing:

3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp mayonnaise
3 tbsp sunflower oil (or olive oil)
Juice from 1 large lemon (about 4 tbsp)
1 tbsp dill or parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sunflower oil, lemon juice, chopped dill or parsley, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
Cook the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and sauté for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let the chicken cool to room temperature before dicing.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to cool it down, then set it aside to drain thoroughly.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, cooked orzo, corn, boiled eggs, diced cucumber, bell pepper, grated carrot, and green onion. Toss everything together gently.
Add the Dressing: Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss again until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt if needed.

Tips

Chicken Cooking Tip: To save time, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
Serving Suggestion: For added flavor, chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to fully coat the ingredients and the flavors to meld.
Pasta Tip: If you’re short on time, you can substitute orzo with other pasta types like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute with roasted chickpeas or tofu.
Add More Veggies: Include other veggies like cherry tomatoes, radishes, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Dressing Variation: For a tangier dressing, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a bit more lemon juice.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Chicken pasta salad can be made a few hours in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator, and toss in the dressing right before serving.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like rotini, elbow macaroni, or farfalle.

Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn works just as well. Simply thaw and drain it before using in the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dish: Serve this chicken pasta salad as a side dish for grilled meats, burgers, or a BBQ spread.
Light Meal: Enjoy it as a light, refreshing lunch or dinner, perfect for warm weather.
Picnic or Potluck: This salad is great for potlucks, picnics, or gatherings, as it’s easy to transport and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty meal, packed with protein, veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing. The combination of orzo pasta, chicken, eggs, and crisp vegetables offers a satisfying bite in every forkful. With its balance of flavors, it’s the perfect dish for warm weather and casual gatherings. The recipe is quick to prepare, customizable, and can easily be made ahead, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or entertaining guests.