This Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and pasta. It’s all tossed in a zesty dressing that makes each bite a flavorful delight!
Let’s be honest, the blackened chicken makes you feel fancy, but it’s super easy to whip up! I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for a little extra yum. What about you? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. If you want a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken instead. Just shred it and mix it right in!
Spices: The blackened seasoning really gives your chicken that amazing flavor. If you’re not a fan of spicy, cut down on the cayenne pepper or leave it out entirely!
Pasta: I love using cavatappi for its fun shape, but you can easily swap it for rotini or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta works well too if you need that option.
Veggies: Cherry tomatoes and avocado are fantastic, but feel free to add any veggies you enjoy. Bell peppers, corn, or even black beans would mix in great!
Dressing: If you’re not into mayonnaise, try using yogurt or a vinaigrette instead. You can even add a splash of hot sauce for a kick!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Blackened?
Blackening chicken is all about creating that crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start with a hot skillet to get a nice sear. Medium-high heat works best.
- Rub the seasoning generously onto the chicken. Don’t be shy!
- Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes. Check for a golden-brown crust to know it’s ready to flip.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps it stay juicy when you slice it.
These tips will help you make perfectly blackened chicken for your salad!
Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blackened Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 ounces pasta (cavatappi, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (red and yellow mixed)
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 30-40 minutes in total. You will spend around 15 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken, and another 10-15 minutes to cook the pasta and assemble everything together. It’s a quick and delicious dish to whip up for either lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blackening Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This blend adds that delicious blackened flavor to your chicken!
2. Season the Chicken:
Rub the blackening seasoning generously over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re coated well for maximum flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice blackened crust. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
4. Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and some salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, red onion, celery (if using), and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to combine everything evenly.
7. Add Chicken:
Place the sliced blackened chicken on top of the pasta salad or fold it gently into the mixture—whichever you prefer!
8. Serve:
Garnish with extra fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. This salad is great served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or a lovely dinner.
Enjoy your flavorful and colorful Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great in this salad. Just shred or dice it and mix it in. You’ll save time and still get that delicious flavor!
How Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add extra veggies or plant-based protein, like chickpeas or black beans. You might also want to toss in some feta or mozzarella for creaminess!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! You can make the pasta salad up to a day ahead. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the pasta from getting too soggy. Mix it in just before serving!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad, you might want to add a bit more dressing before enjoying it again!
