Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad (Printable)

Tender chicken and spiral pasta with fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty honey-mustard dressing—ideal for picnics or weeknight dinners.

# Ingredient list:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 ounces spiral pasta (fusilli or rotini)

→ Chicken

02 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 10 ounces)
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Vegetables

06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
08 - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
10 - 1/4 cup celery, thinly sliced
11 - 2 cups mixed salad greens (optional)

→ Honey Mustard Dressing

12 - 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
13 - 2 tablespoons honey
14 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
15 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
16 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
17 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
18 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnish

19 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Cooking steps:

01 - Cook spiral pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; set aside.
02 - Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then dice or slice into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, celery, and salad greens if using.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
05 - Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
06 - Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to chill and meld flavors.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It holds up beautifully for hours without wilting or turning soggy, making it ideal for potlucks and packed lunches.
  • The honey mustard dressing is tangy and just sweet enough to make every bite feel bright and satisfying.
  • You can prep everything ahead and toss it together minutes before serving.
  • It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta under cold water immediately after draining or it will clump together and absorb too much dressing.
  • Let the chicken rest before cutting so the juices stay inside instead of running onto your cutting board.
  • Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking up the pasta or bruising the vegetables.
  • Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the honey or vinegar to match your preference.
03 -
  • Use a large bowl for tossing so you have room to mix without spilling ingredients over the edge.
  • Season the pasta water generously with salt, it is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
  • If the dressing seems too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of water or extra vinegar to loosen it up.
  • Grill the chicken instead of pan frying for a smoky flavor that makes the salad taste like a backyard cookout.
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