Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Chicken Pasta Salad, a delightful dish that combines tender grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner, this colorful salad is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile option for any meal. Chill it for a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor 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)
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and Italian seasoning, then grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and spices for the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, grilled chicken pieces, vegetables, mozzarella balls, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg