Easy

Cold Chicken Pasta Salad

Name: Cold Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 lb rotini pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 0.5 cup black olives, sliced; 0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 0.75 cup Italian dressing; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped; 1 tsp salt

(464)

35 min8420 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|March 15, 2024

The potluck staple that shows up at every Canadian Canada Day barbecue, family reunion, and neighbourhood block party from coast to coast. Rotini pasta — always rotini because the spirals trap the dressing in every groove — grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, red onion, and a simple Italian dressing that soaks into the pasta overnight. Make it the night before and let it sit in the fridge — the pasta absorbs the dressing and the flavours develop into something significantly better than it was fresh. Add feta cheese crumbles on top if you want to look like you put in extra effort, which you didn't, because this salad takes 20 minutes of active work.

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Ingredients

Servings:

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Undercook by 2 Minutes

“Pull pasta 2 minutes before the package says it's done. It finishes cooking in the sauce, absorbing flavour rather than just sitting on top of it.”

Season Generously

“Most home cooks under-season their chicken. I use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of chicken, applied at least 30 minutes before cooking for the deepest flavour penetration.”

Mise en Place Saves Time

“Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.”

About This Recipe

The Cold Chicken Pasta Salad is a quintessential dish that embodies the spirit of Canadian gatherings—from backyard barbecues to family reunions. With its vibrant medley of grilled chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy olives, this salad is not just a meal; it's a celebration of summer. Each spiral of rotini pasta is perfectly coated in a simple yet flavorful Italian dressing, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that only gets better with time. This dish invites conversations and laughter, making it a beloved staple on Canada Day and many other occasions.

What truly sets this salad apart is its adaptability. You can prepare it ahead of time, allowing the pasta to soak up the dressing overnight, enhancing the flavors significantly. The juxtaposition of fresh vegetables with tender chicken and the creamy notes from optional feta make every bite a delight. Canadian home cooks adore this recipe for its ease and its ability to feed a crowd without fuss. It's the perfect dish to bring along to any potluck, ensuring you’ll always be invited back.

Tips for the Best Cold Chicken Pasta Salad

To make this Cold Chicken Pasta Salad shine, ensure your rotini pasta is cooked al dente; this will help it hold up against the dressing and not become mushy. Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. When mixing in the dressing, do it gently to keep the veggies crisp. If you grill your chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for juicy, tender results. Allow everything to marinate in the fridge overnight for the best flavor infusion.

What to Serve With It

This Cold Chicken Pasta Salad is best served chilled, making it a refreshing side dish for summer cookouts. Pair it with grilled corn on the cob, a classic Canadian Caesar salad, or even some homemade garlic bread for a delightful meal. If you want to add a touch of Canada, consider serving it alongside a plate of BeaverTails for dessert, bringing the whole meal together with a sweet finish.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of this Cold Chicken Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, avoid mixing in the feta until you’re ready to serve, as it can become soggy. If you're reheating, do so gently in a microwave, adding a splash of Italian dressing to prevent dryness. This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the texture changes in the vegetables, but you can safely store it in the fridge for a few days.

Nutrition Per Serving

420

Calories

28g

Protein

16g

Fat

42g

Carbs

Fiber3g

Sugar5g

Sodium560mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?+

While rotini is recommended for its ability to hold dressing, you can substitute it with penne or fusilli. Just ensure the pasta is shaped to hold the dressing well, as this is key to the dish's flavor.

Is it necessary to grill the chicken?+

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that enhances the salad, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just make sure it's well-seasoned to complement the other ingredients.

How do I make it vegetarian?+

Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or some chickpeas for protein. You could also include marinated artichokes or roasted red peppers for added flavor and texture.

Can I add more vegetables?+

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even shredded carrots. Just keep in mind that the balance of flavors is key, so don’t overcrowd it.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?+

If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil instead. However, use it sparingly, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, try substituting with fresh parsley or oregano for a different twist.

Reviews

4.7 / 5 (464 reviews)

Daniel J.

Oct 25, 2025

My family loved this recipe. Will definitely make again!

David I.

Nov 5, 2025

Simple ingredients, amazing results. Highly recommend.

Rachel U.

Feb 1, 2025

Best chicken recipe I have tried in a long time.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:

20 min

Cook:

15 min

Total:

35 min

Servings:

Difficulty:

Easy

Pro Tips

1Always rinse the pasta with cold water — it stops the cooking and washes off starch that makes cold pasta gummy.
2The salad absorbs dressing overnight. Before serving, add 2-3 tablespoons of extra dressing and toss again.
3This serves 8 easily — make the full batch. It disappears faster than you'd expect at any gathering.

Variations

Greek pasta salad: add Kalamata olives, cucumber, and a Greek vinaigrette instead of Italian.
Southwest version: add corn, black beans, and a cilantro-lime dressing.
Pesto version: replace Italian dressing with basil pesto thinned with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Chicken Salads