Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken and Crispy Parmesan Croutons
This Mediterranean-style pasta salad features grilled, herby chicken breast, al dente pasta, and crisp homemade parmesan croutons. Tossed with fresh vegetables and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette, it’s satisfying, fresh, and perfect served warm or chilled.
Time
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
8 oz (225g) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or bowtie)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
1/2 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Grilled Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt & freshly ground pepper
Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the Parmesan Croutons:
1.5 cups cubed baguette or crusty bread
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt and pepper
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1.Cook the Pasta:
Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. Grill the Chicken:
Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Grill on medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Let rest, then slice thinly.
3. Make the Parmesan Croutons:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss bread cubes with olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Bake on a sheet for 10–12 minutes, tossing once, until golden and crispy.
4. Make the Dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, herbs, and avocado if using.
Add grilled chicken and toss with dressing.
Top with croutons just before serving to keep them crisp.
Tips
Add feta or mozzarella balls for extra creaminess.
For more crunch, toss in chopped romaine or arugula.
Croutons can be made ahead and stored airtight for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I serve it warm?
Yes! It’s great warm, room temp, or chilled.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely. Just slice or shred and mix in.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip the chicken or replace it with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 540
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g