This Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun dish bursting with flavors! Juicy blackened chicken, colorful veggies, and pasta all come together for a tasty meal. It’s creamy and satisfying!
Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this salad will win over your crowd. I love making it ahead of time so it’s ready when I’m hungry. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a meal that’s as pretty as it is delicious? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor or even swap it for shrimp or tofu for a different twist!
Blackening Seasoning: You can make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne, and a few dried herbs. If you’re short on time, store-bought mixes work perfectly too.
Pasta: Bow-tie pasta is fun and holds dressing well! Substitute with any pasta you have on hand, like rotini, penne, or fusilli.
Ranch Dressing: This is my go-to for creaminess, but feel free to use any creamy dressing you love, such as Caesar or a yogurt-based dressing if you want something lighter.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes and romaine add great freshness. Swap tomatoes for bell peppers, or add cucumbers for extra crunch. You can even toss in some avocado!
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Blackened Chicken?
Getting that beautiful blackened crust on your chicken is all about heat and patience. Start with a hot skillet to sear the chicken, and don’t rush the cooking time.
- Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat. A cast-iron pan works best to get that amazing crust.
- Space the chicken pieces out in the pan to avoid steaming. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side before flipping.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy!
With these tips, your Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad will be a hit at any table! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp blackening seasoning (made of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper)
- 8 oz bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (or your favorite creamy dressing)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad requires about 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Overall, you can have it ready in about 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bow-tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better. Then, coat both sides of each chicken breast evenly with the blackening seasoning. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully blackened and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, chopped celery, and fresh cilantro. Gently toss everything together.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the ranch dressing over the mixed salad. Toss everything gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. It’s important to do this gently so you don’t break up the pasta or veggies.
6. Top with Chicken:
Arrange the sliced blackened chicken on top of the pasta salad in an appealing manner.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro over the top for added flavor and a pop of color. You can serve the salad right away or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy this colorful, creamy, and flavorful Blackened Chicken Pasta Salad that makes a perfect lunch or light dinner!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and toss it with the salad. This way, you can skip the cooking step altogether!
How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for added protein. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or avocado for flavor and texture.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day ahead! Just keep the ranch dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, give it a little stir and add a splash of fresh dressing if needed!