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Easy Summer Recipes for Busy Moms Avoiding Hot Kitchen Cooking

Creamy Summer Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken and Fresh Vegetables

This creamy summer pasta salad is a refreshing, colorful, and easy family-friendly meal perfect for busy moms avoiding hot kitchen cooking. Packed with tender pasta, juicy grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy lemon dressing, and fresh herbs, this chilled summer recipe is ideal for quick lunches, light dinners, meal prep, picnics, and backyard gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Summer Comfort Food
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta or bowtie pasta
  • 2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast sliced or cubed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil sliced
For the Creamy Summer Dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or salad tongs
  • Airtight storage container

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse immediately under cold water to cool completely. Allow the pasta to drain well.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and prepare the avocado just before mixing.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, corn, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
Step 5: Add the Dressing
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated. Fold in the diced avocado carefully to avoid smashing it.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
  1. Cover the salad and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For extra freshness, add additional lemon juice before serving.
Rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a quick time-saving substitute.
Whole wheat pasta can be used for a healthier version.
Add avocado right before serving to maintain its fresh color and texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If the pasta absorbs too much dressing after chilling, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or olive oil before serving.
This recipe can easily be customized with shrimp, turkey, chickpeas, black beans, or additional vegetables.