Name: Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb rotini pasta; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup cucumber, quartered and sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup kalamata olives, halved; ¾ cup small mozzarella balls, halved; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1¼ cups Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought); ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp dried parsley; 1 tbsp finely minced red bell pepper; 1½ tsp dried minced onion; ½ tsp dried basil; ¾ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar; ½ tsp black pepper; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Description

Indulge in a vibrant Chicken Pasta Salad that’s bursting with flavor and freshness. This delightful dish features tender grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed together in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s not only satisfying but also a nutritious option for a light lunch or side dish. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or ingredients on hand. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb rotini pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup cucumber, quartered and sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup kalamata olives, halved
¾ cup small mozzarella balls, halved
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1¼ cups Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp finely minced red bell pepper
1½ tsp dried minced onion
½ tsp dried basil
¾ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp black pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and cool.
Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning and olive oil; grill or cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Allow to rest before slicing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, and parsley.
Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad mixture; toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling/Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 370
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 70mg