Pasta salad with meat – the ultimate combo that never goes out of style! I mean, who doesn’t love a good carb load with some protein-packed meat to keep you fueled and satisfied? As a self-proclaimed pasta aficionado, I’ve got the scoop on the best pasta salad with meat recipes that will keep you full and coming back for more. So, what makes a great pasta salad with meat? Is it the type of pasta, the choice of meat, or the perfect blend of flavors? Let’s explore the top 12 recipes that hit the spot!
Recipe 1: Classic Italian Pasta Salad with Meat
This recipe rocks because it’s a timeless favorite that combines tender chicken, salami, and penne pasta in a zesty Italian dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup salami
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta al dente.
2. Chop the cooked chicken and salami.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
This classic Italian pasta salad with meat is a staple for a reason – it’s easy, delicious, and satisfies your carb and protein cravings. The combination of chicken and salami provides a nice balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Recipe 2: Greek Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken
This recipe stands out with its grilled chicken, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives, all mixed with a refreshing Greek vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bow tie pasta
- 1 cup grilled chicken
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp Greek vinaigrette
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the bow tie pasta.
2. Grill the chicken and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Crumble the feta cheese.
4. Mix all ingredients together and chill.
Why You’ll Love It:
The combination of grilled chicken and feta cheese gives this pasta salad a nice smoky flavor. Plus, the Kalamata olives add a salty kick that complements the tangy Greek vinaigrette.
Recipe 3: Spicy Southwestern Pasta Salad with Meat
This recipe spices things up with spicy chorizo, black beans, and corn, all mixed with a zesty chipotle ranch dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chorizo
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup corn
- 1/4 cup chipotle ranch dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the rotini pasta.
2. Cook the chorizo and chop it into small pieces.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
This spicy Southwestern pasta salad with meat is perfect for those who like a little heat in their meal. The chorizo adds a nice spicy kick, while the black beans and corn provide a nice crunch.
Recipe 4: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This recipe is a twist on the classic Caesar salad, with grilled chicken, croutons, and parmesan cheese, all mixed with a creamy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1 cup grilled chicken
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Caesar dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta.
2. Grill the chicken and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken Caesar pasta salad is a creamy and indulgent treat that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The grilled chicken and croutons add a nice texture, while the parmesan cheese provides a rich and tangy flavor.
Recipe 5: Turkey and Avocado Pasta Salad
This recipe is a healthier take on the classic pasta salad, with sliced turkey, avocado, and cherry tomatoes, all mixed with a light vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bow tie pasta
- 1 cup sliced turkey
- 1/2 cup avocado
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp vinaigrette
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the bow tie pasta.
2. Slice the turkey and avocado.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
This turkey and avocado pasta salad is a refreshing and healthy twist on the classic recipe. The avocado adds a creamy texture, while the cherry tomatoes provide a burst of juicy flavor.
Recipe 6: Meatball Pasta Salad
This recipe is a fun twist on the classic pasta salad, with homemade meatballs, penne pasta, and marinara sauce, all mixed with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1 cup homemade meatballs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta.
2. Make the homemade meatballs.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
This meatball pasta salad is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The homemade meatballs add a nice texture, while the marinara sauce provides a rich and tangy flavor.
Recipe 7: Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad
This recipe spices things up with sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onions, all mixed with a spicy fajita seasoning and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rotini pasta
- 1 cup sliced chicken
- 1 cup bell peppers
- 1 cup onions
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the rotini pasta.
2. Slice the chicken and cook it with the bell peppers and onions.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken fajita pasta salad is a flavorful and spicy twist on the classic recipe. The sliced chicken and bell peppers add a nice texture, while the fajita seasoning provides a bold and spicy flavor.
Recipe 8: Italian Sausage Pasta Salad
This recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal, with Italian sausage, penne pasta, and marinara sauce, all mixed with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1 cup Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta.
2. Cook the Italian sausage.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
This Italian sausage pasta salad is a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The Italian sausage adds a nice texture, while the marinara sauce provides a rich and tangy flavor.
Recipe 9: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This recipe is a creamy and indulgent treat, with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing, all mixed with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bow tie pasta
- 1 cup grilled chicken
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the bow tie pasta.
2. Grill the chicken and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the bacon until crispy.
4. Mix all ingredients together.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is a rich and creamy treat that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The grilled chicken and crispy bacon add a nice texture, while the ranch dressing provides a tangy and indulgent flavor.
Recipe 10: Turkey Meatball Pasta Salad
This recipe is a fun twist on the classic pasta salad, with homemade turkey meatballs, penne pasta, and marinara sauce, all mixed with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1 cup homemade turkey meatballs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta.
2. Make the homemade turkey meatballs.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
This turkey meatball pasta salad is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The homemade turkey meatballs add a nice texture, while the marinara sauce provides a rich and tangy flavor.
Recipe 11: Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
This recipe is a flavorful and refreshing twist on the classic pasta salad, with grilled chicken, pesto sauce, and cherry tomatoes, all mixed with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bow tie pasta
- 1 cup grilled chicken
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the bow tie pasta.
2. Grill the chicken and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken pesto pasta salad is a light and refreshing meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The grilled chicken and pesto sauce add a nice flavor, while the cherry tomatoes provide a burst of juicy flavor.
Recipe 12: Steak and Mushroom Pasta Salad
This recipe is a hearty and indulgent meal, with grilled steak, sauteed mushrooms, and penne pasta, all mixed with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1 cup grilled steak
- 1 cup sauteed mushrooms
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta.
2. Grill the steak and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Saute the mushrooms.
4. Mix all ingredients together.
Why You’ll Love It:
This steak and mushroom pasta salad is a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for a special occasion. The grilled steak and sauteed mushrooms add a nice texture, while the parmesan cheese provides a rich and tangy flavor.
In conclusion, these 12 pasta salad with meat recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you full. From classic Italian to spicy Southwestern, there’s a recipe on this list for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and easy or hearty and indulgent, these recipes have got you covered. So go ahead, get creative, and start cooking up some delicious pasta salad with meat!
