Since the weather is getting warmer, I’ve been in rebellion against cooking hot food. I just want cool, springy, summery food! Chicken pasta salad is perfect for lunch or supper. It is very balanced with starches, vegetables and protein. I know you will love it.
Chicken Pasta Salad
- 16 oz angel hair pasta (obviously I used rotini…love!)
- 2 c. zesty italian dressing
- 2 T. lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 (12 oz) jar marinated artichokes
- 4 T. chopped parsley
- 2 t. basil
- 2 t. oregano
- 2 bunches green onions chopped
- 2 c. mayo
- 3 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (6 oz) can black olives, sliced
- 1 1/2 c. grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
Day 1: Cook pasta to package directions. Drain. Combine dressing and lemon pepper seasoning. Add pasta to dressing, mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In another bowl, combine artichokes, parsley, basil, oregano, onion and mayo. Mix well. Add to chicken and stir well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Day 2: Mix pasta and chicken mixtures. Add peppers, olives and tomatoes. Mix well. Add cheese just before serving and mix again.
Notes: The key to this recipe is to make it ahead. When the pasta and chicken are marinated overnight…the flavor rocks! 
I always make adjustments to the ingredients depending on what I have on hand. I usually make substitutions of some kind and it’s always delicious.
Does your family eat pasta very often?
Linked to: Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Ultimate Recipe Swap
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YUM! You had me at artichokes!
I know the feeling. I have put away the heavy winter recipes and am starting my spring/summer ones. I really need to write these down!
~traci
.-= Traci´s last blog ..You Are My All In All =-.
@Traci, Thanks for your comment! I created a Recipe tab above my header, so it’s easy to come back and find a recipe.
I’m officially drooling…and I just ate dinner!
.-= joann´s last blog ..Brought Low by the Bottle (of Antibiotics) and A Boy =-.
I was just looking at the artichokes on sale earlier and thinking of what to do with it. Thanks, now I know. It will also be a welcome change to the chicken macaroni salad that I normally do (has way less veggies and more fat).
Ummmm this looks so yummy! I will have to try this!
Come check out my Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie.
This looks really really good! Oh my!
I have a great chicken pasta salad recipe too. I think I might try some of your ingredients to it next time.
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.-= 50centlove´s last blog ..Chicken Spinach Pasta =-.
THIS LOOKS AMAZING!! I will so have to try this!
Thank you!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Carry Each Other’s Burdens {and a Giveaway} =-.
This stuff is wonderful! I know, she cooks for me.
I know I’ve been in the mood for more salads lately. This one looks delicious.
.-= Brenda´s last blog ..Roasted Asparagus with Garlic/TMTT =-.
This sounds delish, the picture preview caught my eye right away over at Tasty Tuesday. I agree that pasta salads often taste better if the flavors have had time to combine. I’ve never made one with artichoke hearts before, as I only recently tried using them at home. I am kinda picky and it took awhile for me to branch out of the comfort zone. But I loved the spinach artchoke dip I made and this sounds great too. Although I will probably omit the olives because no one likes them here.
Wow! This sounds awesome! I love chicken pasta salad and this looks like it has great flavors! I am marking this to my favorites to try! Thanks!
.-= Smart Money Mom´s last blog ..Angel Lush With Pineapple =-.
This looks delicious! I will be trying it!
.-= nancycreative´s last blog ..Dark Chocolate Cupcakes =-.
Oh my gosh this looks so good! I’m printing it off and making it for dinner tomorrow
.-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Throwing Away Pearls =-.
Thanks sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing!! I’ll be following…
That looks awesome! And so healthy too, yum!
.-= Cheryl@SomewhatCrunchy´s last blog ..Un-Beer Battered Fish =-.
Yum! This sounds scrumptious!!
.-= Sherry´s last blog ..Hot Cheesy Bacon Dip =-.
This looks delicious! I just printed the recipe and will be making it next week.
Thanks~
Jennifer
This looks AMAZING!!!!!!
drooling.
Yum, yum, yum, yum, YUM! That about sums up my thought on this one, lol! Oh, yum, now I need more parmesan cheese… and cherry tomatoes…
.-= ali @ an ordinary mom´s last blog ..Multitude Monday 351-360 =-.
I feel the same way! I’m trying to change up my menus now and include more springy foods like this one. I’m trying real hard not to use the oven more than once a week. This way we don’t have to use the air conditioner!
.-= Crystal´s last blog ..Quilt Giveaway @ Lovely Bud =-.
That looks incredibly good!
love pasta salad and while I normally make with tuna chicken sounds like a wonderful treat
I remember when you first posted this. I think we would eat well together….
.-= FishMama´s last blog ..Grocery University Audio Program – Big Time Sale =-.
myra,
thanks for this recipe! I made it for the first time last night to serve to a very special friend for lunch today… I snuck a taste and it is awesome!! I am serving with croissants on the side and a blueberry cream cheese pie!!! YUM!