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Protein-Packed Hawaiian Chicken Pasta Salad

Protein-Packed Hawaiian Chicken Pasta Salad - featured image
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A fresh, filling pasta salad featuring grilled chicken, sweet pineapple, and a tangy dressing, perfect for a quick and crowd-pleasing lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (grilled or baked, seasoned with salt and pepper)
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any bite-sized pasta)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (canned, drained, or frozen thawed)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season 2 large chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Dice 1 red bell pepper, shred 1/2 cup carrot, chop 1/4 cup green onions, and roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh cilantro if using. Drain and pat dry 1 cup pineapple chunks.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, carrot, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Toss gently before serving.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad; start with most of the dressing and add more if needed after chilling. Grilling chicken adds a smoky flavor, but baking with smoked paprika is a good alternative. Rinsing pasta with cold water prevents mushiness. Salad tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, Hawaiian pasta salad, protein-packed lunch, fresh lunch recipe, grilled chicken salad, pineapple pasta salad

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/protein-packed-hawaiian-chicken-pasta-salad-easy-fresh-lunch-recipe/