Make-Ahead Chicken Pasta Salad

Make-Ahead Chicken Pasta Salad

from eatingwell.com
20 min
4

Need something to bring to a party or backyard barbecue? This make-ahead chicken pasta salad recipe is classic and completely adaptable-you can swap in whatever veggies, herbs or cheese you like.

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces casarecce pasta
  • 8 ounces haricots verts (French green beans), cut into 2-in. pieces
  • ⅝ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon honey
  • 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast (about 6 oz.)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 ounces crumbled feta (about 1/4 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons torn fresh basil

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook pasta according to package directions. Add green beans during last minute of cook time. Drain, and run under cool running water until room temperature, about 30 seconds. Drain well. Transfer to a large bowl, and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of the salt; set aside.

  2. 2

    Whisk together oil, vinegar, pepper, honey, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Add chicken, tomatoes, feta, and dressing to green beans and pasta, and toss to coat. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 24 hours. Sprinkle with basil before serving.