Every recipe repertoire needs a good chicken pasta salad. And this one is a good one!
This pasta salad has been a family favorite for over 10 years. I made it for dinner the first time when it was just me and my girls home for dinner. I found the recipe over at Mel’s Kitchen Cafe and it just looked like the perfect ‘girlfriend’ food. In fact it should make an appearance at any luncheon or shower you are planning!
Pasta Salad with Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Bacon and Spinach
This recipe makes a large batch, so it is perfect for serving company. That first night four of us enjoyed it for dinner and there was enough for lunch the next day for us and a friends family.
The flavor is wonderful. I loved the combination of the balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes and bacon.
The original recipe calls for Cellentani pasta, but I used the rotini that I always have on hand. Rotini is a great pasta salad pasta! You can use your favorite pasta, but make sure you use a pasta and one that has some ridges so it holds onto all that yumminess you are going to put into the salad.
Every recipe repertoire needs a good chicken pasta salad. And this one is a good one!
This dish would be perfect for a luncheon, a potluck or a regular family dinner! It is fast and easy to make and is a great way to use leftover chicken. You will definitely love this chicken pasta salad.
Some of my other favorite pasta salad recipes:
Some of my favorite kitchen tools I use to make CHICKEN PASTA SALAD:
PASTA POT – perfect for cooking pasta or steaming vegetables
6 PIECE MEASURING CUP SET – Everyone needs at least one set of measuring cups, I have 4 sets!
MAGNETIC MEASURING SPOONS – I love these things. They are magnetic so they stay together in the drawer!
For all of my other favorite kitchen products and tools visit my Amazon Store.
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Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- 5 strips bacon fried and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3-4 green onions chopped
- 1 lb tube pasta I used Rotini, cooked, drained and cooled to room temperature
- 1 lb chicken cooked and shredded (I used ½ of a rotisserie chicken)
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (I used oil-packed, if using dry, plump them in hot water before using)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons balsamic vinega
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Place the mayonnaise and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk well. In a large bowl, combine pasta, bacon, green onions, shredded chicken, spinach leaves and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss lightly.
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Add about ½ to ¾ of the mayonnaise and vinegar mixture. Toss to combine. Add more dressing if the salad seems dry.
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Originally post April 18, 2008
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Oh, I am so glad you enjoyed this! It is a good reminder I need to make it again, soon (and you are right it is a perfect dish for a luncheon or girlfriend get-together!).
I made this for dinner tonight and it was amazing. I added a few basic spices and a little fresh basil. I had a pre-cooked chicken breast that I just sliced thin. It has great color and is full of flavor
Linda, I am so glad you enjoyed it and I love the idea of using pre-cooked chicken breast in it.