If you’re looking for a tasty dish that’s quick to whip up, this Chicken Pasta Salad is just the ticket! With colorful veggies and creamy hummus, it’s both satisfying and healthy.

This recipe solves the need for a quick, budget-friendly, portable lunch option using leftovers, while delivering protein, veggies, and satisfying flavor in one dish.

I know how tough it can be to find a meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also keeps well for lunch the next day. This salad helps solve that problem by using hummus as a dressing, giving it a creamy texture without the mayonnaise. You won’t feel guilty about digging in!

And don’t worry about mushy pasta! This recipe uses whole wheat pasta cooked al dente, keeping everything nice and firm. You can have it all ready in just 30 minutes, including both prep and cooking time.

If you enjoy trying different combinations in your salads, this recipe is a fantastic base. If you love a good pasta salad, check out this Vegetarian Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Pasta Salad for another flavorful option!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Creamy Goodness : Using hummus as a dressing gives this pasta salad a rich, creamy texture without the heaviness of traditional options. It’s smooth and satisfying.
Fresh Flavors : With vibrant cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a bit of feta, each bite is bursting with freshness and a tangy kick that keeps things interesting.
Quick Prep Time : This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a breeze for busy weekdays or meal prep on the weekends.
Easy Storage : It stores well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it for days after making it. Just cover it up, and you’re good to go.

Refreshing Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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Author: Charlene
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cool Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: salad
Method: tossing
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: gluten free

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Description

A refreshing and nutritious pasta salad with chicken and spinach, blended with hummus for a unique flavor.

Instructions

Cook & Cool Pasta: Start by cooking the whole wheat rotini until it is just al dente. Keep an eye on it to ensure it is firm but not crunchy. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Rinsing is crucial to avoid that mushy texture!
Mix Dressing Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the Italian salad dressing and hummus until nicely blended and fragrant. A common mistake is not mixing enough, which can leave you with big clumps of dressing.
Toss in Chicken & Spinach: Add the cooked chicken and fresh spinach to the cooled pasta. Stir gently to combine. Ensure the spinach is vibrant green and the chicken is distributed well. Adding them while the pasta is still a bit warm helps soften the spinach, but do not let it wilt too much too soon.
Add Dressing & Seasoning: Pour your hummus dressing over the pasta, chicken, and spinach, tossing everything together gently. You will smell the wonderful combination of garlic and lemon while mixing. Be cautious not to over-season; you can always add more salt and pepper later.
Chill Before Serving: Place the salad in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the flavors mingle. It should feel cool to the touch. Chilling is important for allowing the dressing to soak in; too little chilling may leave you with a bland flavor.
Serve & Enjoy: Scoop your chilled pasta salad into bowls and enjoy the beautiful colors and textures. It should look vibrant and fresh. Remember to add any remaining spinach right before serving to keep it crisp.

Notes

Cover in the serving bowl or transfer to a food-safe storage container with a tight-fitting lid. Best eaten within a day or two as spinach wilts and tomatoes soften quickly.
Check pasta for al dente texture before draining. If the pasta salad becomes mushy, ensure it is cooked al dente and rinse immediately after cooking. If the dressing is too thick, mix in a splash more Italian salad dressing to thin it out. If spinach wilts too quickly, add it just before serving to maintain its freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Recipe Tips

If pasta becomes mushy, checking for al dente textures and rinsing immediately after cooking can prevent this issue.
When the dressing seems too thick, a splash of Italian salad dressing can help achieve a smoother consistency.
If the spinach starts to wilt, adding it right before you serve the salad keeps it fresh and vibrant.
For a more flavorful bite, consider varying the types of hummus used for different taste experiences.
If you’re meal prepping, mixing in the cherry tomatoes right before serving helps maintain their texture and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Chill this chicken and spinach hummus pasta salad and serve it alongside garlic bread. Top it with extra olives and feta for added appeal.

This dish works well at potlucks, picnics, or summer barbecues. You can also use leftovers in wraps or as a filling for stuffed vegetables.

Drizzle a light vinaigrette or lemon juice over the salad to enhance the flavors. A sprinkle of fresh herbs also adds brightness to the presentation.

Recipe variations

You can replace whole wheat rotini with fusilli or farfalle for a different pasta shape.
Add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Either use marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for an extra layer of flavor.
If you plan to serve a larger group, scale the recipe up to 12 ounces of rotini and 1.5 cups of hummus.

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How to Store?

To keep your chicken and spinach hummus pasta salad fresh, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store the pasta salad in a food-safe container with a lid at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

Refrigeration: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This method helps maintain its freshness.

Freezing: Transfer the salad to a freezer bag or airtight container, sealing tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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If you enjoyed this Chicken and Spinach Hummus Pasta Salad or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!