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Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Italian Chicken Pasta Salad
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Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, and colorful vegetables tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. This quick and easy recipe offers bold flavors, balanced nutrition, and versatility, making it perfect for lunches, picnics, or meal prep that pleases every palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 grilled or roasted chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

Cheese and Herbs

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing and Seasoning

  • 1/3 cup Italian dressing (olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil 2 cups of pasta in salted water following package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep noodles firm, then set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season 2 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and favorite Italian herbs. Grill or roast until cooked through, let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop the Veggies: Dice 1 cup cucumber, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, and slice 1/2 cup black olives. Chop 2 tablespoons each of fresh basil and parsley just before mixing.
  4. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced chicken, chopped vegetables, cheese, and herbs. Drizzle with 1/3 cup Italian dressing and gently toss to coat evenly.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain firmness and avoid mushiness.
  • Use freshly made Italian dressing for vibrant flavor and adjust herbs to taste.
  • Add dressing gradually to prevent sogginess and preserve texture.
  • Chill salad before serving to enhance flavor fusion and refreshment.
  • Make ahead by preparing the night before; flavors improve with resting time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian chicken pasta salad, pasta salad, grilled chicken salad, Italian dressing, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, meal prep salad

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/italian-chicken-pasta-salad-2/