PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Easy Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad with Olive Oil and Parmesan

If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing pasta salad, this Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe is a must-make. Made with tender bowtie pasta, juicy chicken breast, fresh Roma tomatoes, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and Italian herbs, this easy pasta salad is perfect for meal prep, summer cookouts, or weeknight dinners.

Unlike mayo-based pasta salads, this olive oil pasta salad is light, fresh, and full of bold Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad Recipe

• Light olive oil dressing instead of heavy mayo
• Packed with protein from chicken
• Perfect for meal prep
• Great for summer barbecues and potlucks
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Ready in under 30 minutes

Ingredients for Pasta Salad

The Pasta Base

1 pound bowtie pasta

Bowtie pasta holds dressing beautifully and adds a fun texture to this easy chicken pasta salad.

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The Protein

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grilled or pan-seared chicken breast adds lean protein and makes this pasta salad hearty enough for a full meal.

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The Fresh Additions

3 Roma tomatoes, chopped

Roma tomatoes add freshness and a slight sweetness without making the salad watery.

3 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Freshly grated parmesan melts slightly into the olive oil, creating a rich, savory finish.

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The Olive Oil Dressing

¾ cup olive oil
3 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

This simple Italian-style olive oil dressing coats the pasta evenly and gives this chicken pasta salad its bold, herb-forward flavor.

Equipment We Love for This Recipe

• Wooden Cutting Board
• Glass Mixing Bowls
• The Best Prep Knives
• Wooden Spoons
• Mixing Bowls
• Serving Bowl Set

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How to Make Pasta Salad

Start by cooking the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl while slightly warm so it absorbs the olive oil dressing better.

Cook chicken breasts in a skillet or grill pan until fully cooked, then chop into small pieces and add to the pasta. Dice Roma tomatoes and grate fresh parmesan cheese before mixing into the bowl.

Drizzle olive oil over the pasta mixture and add minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece of pasta is coated. If needed, add a little more olive oil to keep the salad moist and flavorful.

Chill before serving for best flavor.

What to Serve with Pasta Salad

This chicken pasta salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled burgers
• BBQ chicken
• Slow Cooker Focaccia Bread
• Spinach & Clementine Salad
• Iced tea or lemonade

Perfect for summer cookouts or meal prep lunches.

Storage & Reheating

Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tip:
Drizzle a little olive oil before serving leftovers to refresh the texture.

Freezing:
Not recommended.

Reheating:
Best served cold or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Rotini or penne work well.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Simply omit the chicken.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onion are great additions.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad is light, fresh, and packed with bold Italian flavor. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and parmesan tossed in olive oil and herbs, it’s the perfect simple pasta salad for gatherings, meal prep, or weeknight dinners.

If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.

Enjoy!

McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective