This nicoise tuna pasta salad blends hearty chicken, bright veggies, and tasty pasta into one delicious dish. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh flavors while keeping things simple, and you can easily prep it ahead of time!
This recipe solves the need for a satisfying meal with various food groups, easy preparation for gatherings, and a solution to soggy salads.
I often find myself needing a filling meal that’s also light and refreshing. With everyone in my family having food allergies, it gets tricky to find a recipe that works for all of us. This salad is a lifesaver, as it combines everything we love into one bowl.
In just about 40 minutes, you can whip up this salad that’s packed with protein from the chicken and eggs, and it has a good mix of colorful veggies. The fresh ingredients feel perfect for warmer weather, making it a great choice for picnics or lunch.
If you want to switch things up or add more fun to your salad day, try this Easy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad. It’s another light and yummy option that everyone will love!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Freshness , This salad is loaded with vibrant ingredients like cherry tomatoes and tender chicken, making every bite feel light and refreshing, especially in warmer months.
- Flavor Explosion , The tangy dressing and savory notes give this dish a delightful twist that’s both satisfying and exciting for your taste buds.
- Meal Prep Friendly , You can whip this up ahead of time, so it’s a breeze to serve at parties or as a quick lunch option during the week.
- Convenient Storage , Stash it in the fridge for a few days, but it tastes best on day one, keeping those flavors bright and the ingredients fresh.
Ingredient Notes
- Egg noodles: I love using egg noodles for this salad because they add a nice richness. If you can’t find them, try tagliatelle or pappardelle instead!
- Shredded chicken breast: This is the star of the show! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it to your liking!
- Petite potatoes: These little guys are perfect because they cook quickly and add heartiness. Red or white works well; just cook them tender and chop them up!
- Hard-boiled eggs: Quartered eggs add creaminess and protein to the salad. If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-cooked ones to save some hassle!
- Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness brighten up the dish. Halving them makes them easier to eat. Go for any color you can find for some fun!
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips
- If you want evenly flavored potatoes, salt the cooking water generously to infuse them with flavor while boiling.
- When the dressing tastes too tangy, try adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a teaspoon of sweetener to soften the acidity.
- If you prefer firm pasta, cook it to al dente, usually about two minutes less than the package instructs.
- For a well-rounded salad, shred chicken and chop vegetables uniformly so each bite offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.
- If you want to avoid a soggy salad, dress the pasta salad again just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chicken nicoise pasta salad alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. Pair it with light white wine and mixed greens.
- This pasta salad also works well in lunch boxes, picnics, or brunch gatherings. Consider using it as a filling for lettuce wraps or a topping in grain bowls.
- You can add a drizzle of vinaigrette for extra flavor or garnish with olives and capers. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish before serving.
Storage Guidelines
- To keep your chicken nicoise pasta salad fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for optimal freshness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place pasta salad in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
- Leftover Dressing: Keep dressing in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best results.
Recipe Variations
- You can use tuna or salmon instead of shredded chicken for a different protein option.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or 1 tablespoon of fresh basil to boost the flavor.
- Either substitute fusilli or penne for a unique pasta shape that adds texture.
- If you want to scale the recipe, use 12 ounces of pasta and 4 cups of chicken for larger servings.
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Chicken Nicoise Pasta Salad
A fresh and colorful salad featuring egg noodles, shredded chicken, and a mix of vibrant vegetables, tossed with a zesty vinaigrette.
Equipment
- Pot for boiling water
- Colander for draining noodles and vegetables
- Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Jar with lid for vinaigrette mixing
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles, tagliatelle or pappardelle (227g)
- 2 cups petite white or red potatoes (240g)
- 6 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (170g)
- 3 cups shredded chicken breast (450g)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved (225g)
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives (150g)
- ½ English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced
- ½ cup sliced red bell pepper (75g)
- ½ cup sliced red onion (75g)
- ⅓ cup capers, about 4 ounces drained (80g)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (80ml)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (60ml)
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot (15g)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15g)
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (15g)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Start by boiling some salted water in a pot. Add in the egg noodles and cook them until they’re just al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Ensure not to overcook, as mushy pasta is not desirable.
- In a separate pot, drop the petite potatoes into salted boiling water. They are done when fork-tender, which typically takes about 10 minutes. This salted water will help enhance the flavor of the potatoes.
- Throw the green beans into another pot of boiling water for a couple of minutes. You want them to retain a vibrant green color and a bit of crunch. After cooking, quickly transfer them to ice water to halt the cooking process.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, shallots, both mustards, kosher salt, and pepper to create a dressing that smells fresh and zesty. Make sure everything is well combined to avoid any surprise bites of mustard.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked noodles, potatoes, green beans, shredded chicken, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. You should see a colorful mix. Stir lightly to keep everything intact; avoid squashing the tomatoes or potatoes.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the tossed salad and mix it again. The warm potatoes will absorb some dressing, enhancing the flavor. Be cautious not to use too much dressing to overpower the other ingredients.
- Gently fold in the capers and quartered hard-boiled eggs, adding a nice briny flavor and creaminess. Mix carefully to avoid breaking the eggs too much.
- Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This time lets the flavors blend nicely. Taste again before serving, adjusting seasoning or adding more dressing if necessary.
Notes
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days; best served within the first day.
Expert Tips: Salt potato water for enhanced flavor while boiling. If the dressing tastes too tangy, balance it by adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a teaspoon of sweetener. Cook pasta to al dente, typically about two minutes less than package instructions, to maintain a firm texture. For an evenly flavored salad, shred chicken and chop vegetables uniformly. Re-dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Reheating Instructions: This salad is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal, or pair with a light white wine for a refreshing lunch. Adding mixed greens will enhance crunch and nutrition.
Recipe Variations: For a different protein, substitute the chicken with tuna or smoked salmon. You can use various pasta shapes like fusilli or penne. Consider adding more vegetables, such as radishes or zucchini, to enhance the salad’s freshness.
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