Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad
Updated May 31, 2026
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Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad is the kind of recipe everyone comes back for seconds of. Tender roasted chicken, bowtie pasta, juicy tomatoes, and fresh dill are tossed in a creamy spinach-buttermilk dressing for a cool, flavorful salad that’s easy on the budget and perfect for feeding a crowd. It was always a hit with my personal chef clients!
Chef Tips and Tricks:
- I use bowtie pasta for this chicken pasta salad because it’s pretty. However, penne or rotini (regular, whole-grain, or gluten-free) also work.
- After cooking the pasta, drain it in a colander, then rinse it with cold running water to cool and remove excess starch.
- Drain well, then toss the pasta with a small amount of oil. The oil keeps the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing. If you’re making this salad ahead of time, the oil helps prevent the pasta from drying out and sticking in the refrigerator.
- Save time by using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken yourself.
- The dressing comes together quickly; simply combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.
- Buttermilk is a wonderful ingredient to keep on hand, especially for salad dressings. It’s much lower in fat than sour cream and adds a delightful tanginess.
- Squeezing the water from frozen chopped spinach can be a nuisance. However, because the spinach is going into a liquid, it doesn’t need to be perfectly dry — just give it a good squeeze.
More pasta salads you’re sure to love!
- Cucumber and Pasta Salad
- Southwestern Orzo Pasta Salad with Cilantro – Lime Dressing
- Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
- Caprese Pasta Salad
Get all my main course salad recipes at Dinner Salads – From A Chef’s Kitchen.
Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad
Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad is the kind of recipe everyone comes back for seconds of. Tender roasted chicken, bowtie pasta, juicy tomatoes, and fresh dill are tossed in a creamy spinach-buttermilk dressing for a cool, flavorful salad that's easy on the budget and perfect for feeding a crowd. It was always a hit with my personal chef clients!
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, (2 1/2 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound farfalle pasta, (bowties)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
Dressing
- 1 bag (12-ounce) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess moisture
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh baby dill
- 4 scallions, white and light green part only, coarsely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise, regular or reduced-fat
- 1 cup buttermilk, regular or reduced-fat
- 1 package ranch salad dressing mix
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Chicken Salad
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Drizzle chicken with oil and season with salt and black pepper. Roast for 22 to 25 minutes or until cooked through to at least 165 degrees.
- Let cool, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente (cooked, but still firm to the bite). Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain well. Toss with approximately 2 tablespoons canola oil.
- Transfer pasta to a large bowl. Add chicken, tomatoes and red onion.
Dressing
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Add lemon juice and salt and black pepper to taste. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Best served immediately.
Notes
MAKE-AHEAD:
- Cook chicken and pasta. Chop chicken and refrigerate. (Chicken and pasta may be stored together in a container).
- Make dressing and refrigerate separately.
- Before serving, halve tomatoes and dice onion. Add dressing, toss, and serve.
- Use fresh or frozen peas in place of the tomatoes.
Nutrition
Serving: 8Calories: 558kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 22gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 551mgPotassium: 564mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 675IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 2mg
Nutritional values are automatically calculated using unbranded products and are estimates only. Actual results may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes. Adjust as needed for dietary restrictions, allergies, or health concerns.
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