Description

Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful meal option that’s perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to hearty family dinners. This dish combines the comforting flavors of pasta with the protein-packed goodness of chicken and a refreshing array of veggies. Not only is it customizable and easy to prepare, but it also provides a balanced meal that’s satisfying and wholesome. With ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, and basil, it’s a delightful mix of flavors that can turn a simple lunch into a gourmet experience.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounce rotini or penne pasta
2 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, chopped roasted red peppers, and torn fresh basil. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss everything well to coat each ingredient thoroughly with that flavorful dressing. Taste your creation; adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.
Finish your Chicken Pasta Salad by sprinkling the shaved Parmesan cheese over the top. Give it one last gentle toss to combine.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate your Chicken Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

To enhance the nutritional value of Chicken Pasta Salad, consider incorporating more vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or carrots. You can also swap regular pasta for whole grain or legume-based pasta to increase fiber content.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 60mg