Description
Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and rotini pasta, tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups rotini pasta (or gluten-free pasta, if preferred)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese or shredded mozzarella (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and black olives.
- Add Dressing and Toss:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Serve or Chill:
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1-2 hours for enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; add dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Customization: Add avocado, boiled eggs, or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Chicken pasta salad, healthy salad, high-protein salad, gluten-free option, quick dinner, meal prep, Mediterranean flavors, easy lunch.