This quick and easy Chicken Pasta Salad with canned chicken mimics a chicken dinner, but takes just a few minutes to make and since it is served cold is perfect for these sweltering summer days we are having right now.
Chicken Pasta Salad Dinner
In the dog days of summer, I am not a fan of slaving over a hot pot or doing much baking. I want quick convenient meals that my fussy daughter will actually eat. It is also a big plus if a meal is easy tote around. We like to eat out in our gazebo once the weather cools in the early evening. This canned chicken pasta salad recipe is not only an easy to make weeknight dinner, but being a cold all-in-one meal, it is ideal for outdoor dining. Also, since it is a cold dish it can be made ahead and eaten anytime over the next few days. It doesn't get much easier than that.
Make Chicken Pasta Salad with Canned Chicken
You will love how easy it is to make this chicken pasta salad that eats like a meal.
With the help of a humble can of chicken this weeknight dinner can be prepared in about 15 minutes. It is a terrific way to add lean protein to a meal in a flash.
Recipe Hack
Got leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken? Toss in a cup of chopped or shredded leftover chicken instead of canned.
The dressing is very simple and while adding flavor doesn't overpower the chicken and vegetables.
More Easy Dinners
- Mediterranean Sausage Pasta
- Green Pea Salad
- Kielbasa and Potatoes
- Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables
- Honey Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe
Chicken Dinner Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ lb small shells or dry pasta of choice
- 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables approx. 10-12 oz
- 10 oz. canned chicken Breast
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbs. buttermilk*
- 2 tbs. Italian dressing
Instructions
- Boil the pasta to al dente. Thaw vegetables in microwave while pasta is cooking. The vegetables only need to be thawed not thoroughly heated.
- Drain and rinse pasta with cold water. Drain well, then add vegetables. Drain canned chicken and add to pasta as well.
- Whisk together the remaining ingredients in small bowl to make dressing.
- Add dressing to pasta bowl and mix well.
Notes
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That is right up my alley! It sounds like an awesome lunch idea!
Shann Eva says
Looks like a simple and yummy summer recipe .Thanks for sharing .
Leslie says
Yum! I love pasta salads, they are so good & do simple!
Heather says
That looks delicous! I want to give this one a try. I didn't know hormel put chicken in a can. More convenient and less space.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
That pasta salad looks wonderful. My husband loves pasta salad.
Michelle Hwee says
This looks oh so good! 🙂 Oh and its easy and quick to make, love that!!
Julia says
Wow looks yummy, and soo easy! Thanks for the recipe. I think I'll make this for tomorrow!
Ourfamilyworld says
That looks delicious. I can't wait to make this for my family.
Elizabeth O. says
This looks so good. It looks so easy to do and I love that this is already a complete meal.
Rosey says
That's nice and light looking for summer. Just the kind of dish that makes me happy at a bbq too. 🙂
Ashley says
I love pasta salads in the summer! This looks amazing!
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc. says
This looks great! I love meals that I can throw together after a long day at work... pinning for later!
M from The Stay-at-Home Life says
This looks so tasty and so easy to make. Yum!
Liz Mays says
That looks so fresh and delicious, and the chicken amps up the protein. Awesome!