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Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken Pasta Salad
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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Chicken Pasta Salad, a delightful dish that celebrates fresh ingredients and zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or busy weeknights, this salad combines tender grilled chicken with crisp vegetables and creamy mozzarella for a satisfying meal. The zesty Italian dressing adds a refreshing kick, making every bite a burst of flavor. It’s not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with lean protein and colorful veggies that appeal to everyone. Easy to prepare and customizable, this Chicken Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup apple 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)

Instructions

  1. Boil water in a large pot. Add salt once it’s boiling. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain using a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, and parsley.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together Italian dressing ingredients including olive oil, apple vinegar, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, red bell pepper, minced onion, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with grilled chicken slices and vegetable mixture. Pour dressing over and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastymealguide.com/chicken-pasta-salad/

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