Let’s just put this out there: pasta salad doesn’t get nearly the love it deserves. Sure, it’s often treated like a sidekick at potlucks and picnics, but this chicken and veggie pasta salad? It’s stepping into the spotlight. With lean grilled chicken, crisp colorful veggies, and a zippy vinaigrette, this is the kind of pasta salad that eats like a full meal—light but satisfying, fresh but still filling.
What makes this one special is the balance. You’ve got protein to keep you full, fiber-packed veggies for crunch and color, and pasta for that cozy, carb-y base. Plus, it’s all tossed in a bright, herby dressing that ties everything together without weighing it down. It’s a fridge-friendly recipe too, which means you can make it once and enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week long—no sad desk meals here.
Bonus: it’s endlessly customizable. Swap the chicken for chickpeas, throw in whatever veggies you’ve got on hand, or switch up the pasta shape just for fun. This salad doesn’t just taste good—it plays well with your schedule and your cravings. Healthy, flavorful, and ready when you are.

Ingredients
- 2 red peppers diced
- 2 yellow peppers diced
- 2 zucchinis diced
- 1 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1.5-2 lbs chicken breast diced into bite sized pieces
- Chicken seasoning of choice
- Recommended by Dani & John: 2 tsp paprika 2 tbsp crazy janes, 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp dijon mustard
- 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes cut into quarters
- ½ cup dry orzo cooked
- 1 can garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
- Optional: crumbled feta for topping
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil
- Dice veggies and place into a bowl
- Drizzle with olive oil and add spices. Mix until fully coated
- Roast until tender, about 20 mins
- Preheat over to 400 degrees
- Season chicken on all sides with oil and preferred seasoning
- Bake for about 20 minutes until chicken reaches 165 degrees
- Note: you can also grill the chicken or use rotisserie chicken if you’d prefer
Notes
- This is a great make ahead option that can be used for lunches or snacks. It makes a ton of servings - approximately 10-12.
- Sally's Baking Addiction - https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/creamy-chicken-pasta-salad/
Looking for a little extra support with your nutrition?
The OSI Eat Strong Accountability Group is a low-pressure, high-impact way to stay consistent with your habits. For $25/month, you’ll get weekly meal inspiration sent straight to your inbox every Thursday, access to a monthly group coaching call, and ongoing tips and strategies you can actually use in real life.
It’s a space for people who want to eat well, feel good, and keep moving in the right direction with just enough structure to stay on track, and the flexibility to make it your own.
If you’re looking for something in between DIY and 1:1 coaching, this is the sweet spot. Click the button below to get signed up!



