This Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad is a perfect combination of tender chicken, pasta, and a tangy, sweet honey mustard dressing. It’s a great option for a light lunch, picnic, or a satisfying dinner. Packed with flavors and textures, it’s easy to make and loved by everyone!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced

• 250g (8 oz) pasta (penne or fusilli work well)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup shredded carrots

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • If not already cooked, grill or pan-fry the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them rest for a few minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots.

5. Add the Dressing:

   • Pour the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for a cooler version.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 350

• Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Protein: 25 g

• Fat: 12 g

• Saturated Fat: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 65 mg

• Sodium: 250 mg

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 8 g

Why This Recipe Works

Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines protein, carbs, and fresh vegetables. The chicken breast provides lean protein, while the pasta adds hearty texture. The fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded carrots not only add crunch and color but also introduce fresh, juicy flavors that balance the richness of the honey mustard dressing.

The dressing, made from Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil, is the key to this salad’s standout flavor. It’s creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough to complement the savory chicken and vegetables. The dressing coats every bite of pasta and chicken, ensuring that each forkful is bursting with flavor.

Moreover, this recipe is extremely versatile and easy to modify. You can add or swap ingredients depending on what you have on hand, such as adding avocado for creaminess, bell peppers for sweetness, or even swapping in a different type of pasta.

Cooking the Chicken

For this recipe, you can either grill, pan-fry, or bake the chicken breasts. The most important thing is to cook the chicken thoroughly and let it rest before dicing. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each piece is tender and flavorful. After the chicken has cooled slightly, dice it into bite-sized pieces so that it can easily be mixed into the pasta salad.

For a quicker option, you can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces and incorporate it into the salad with the other ingredients.

The Pasta

Choosing the right pasta is essential for this salad. While you can use any pasta you like, penne or fusilli work particularly well because their shapes allow the honey mustard dressing to cling to each piece. The pasta should be cooked al dente, as overcooked pasta can become mushy when tossed with the dressing. After draining the pasta, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This helps the salad stay refreshing and prevents it from getting soggy once the dressing is added.

The Honey Mustard Dressing

The honey mustard dressing is what makes this pasta salad truly shine. It’s quick to prepare and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. The combination of Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar creates a well-balanced flavor with a bit of heat from the mustard, sweetness from the honey, and tang from the vinegar. Olive oil adds a rich creaminess that binds everything together.

To make the dressing, simply whisk the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil together in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the honey or vinegar depending on whether you prefer a sweeter or tangier flavor. Once the dressing is made, it can be poured over the salad and tossed to coat all the ingredients.

Assembling the Salad

Once the pasta has cooled and the chicken is ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots. These fresh vegetables add color and texture to the dish, complementing the creaminess of the dressing.

Pour the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated. If you prefer a chilled version of the salad, you can place the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become even more refreshing.

Garnishing and Serving

After assembling the salad, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. If you’d like, you can also sprinkle some extra freshly grated Parmesan or a few crumbles of feta cheese for additional flavor.

This salad can be served immediately or stored in the fridge for later. It’s great as a quick lunch or dinner on busy days, and it also makes for a fantastic picnic or potluck dish. The honey mustard dressing keeps the salad creamy, while the chicken, pasta, and veggies make it hearty enough for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad is a simple yet irresistible dish that combines familiar, comforting flavors with a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s an easy-to-make, one-bowl recipe that’s packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and carbs—making it a balanced and satisfying meal. The tangy honey mustard dressing enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables, while the pasta adds a hearty, satisfying texture.

This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it can be stored in the fridge for a few days without losing its freshness. It’s also a great option for a quick weeknight meal, a casual gathering, or a picnic. The versatility of the recipe means you can adjust it to your taste, adding in or omitting ingredients as desired.

Conclusion

Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crunchy vegetables, and creamy honey mustard dressing, it’s a balanced, flavorful meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to bring to a gathering, this salad has you covered. Whip it up in under 30 minutes and enjoy a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love!