Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and filling dish, perfect for a light lunch or as a side. It combines cooked pasta, grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, making it a balanced and flavorful meal.
Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Chicken Pasta Salad is a versatile and satisfying dish that combines tender pieces of chicken, cooked pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful dressing. This dish is celebrated for its heartiness, balanced flavors, and the opportunity to customize ingredients to suit individual preferences. Whether served as a main course, a side dish, or at a picnic, Chicken Pasta Salad is a popular choice for those seeking a nutritious and tasty meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups Pasta (like fusilli, penne, or rotini) uncooked
- 2 Boneless Chicken Breast grilled and sliced
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 Cucumber diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper diced
- 1/2 Red Onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Black Olives sliced
- 1/2 cup Feta Cheese crumbled
- a handful Fresh Basil Leaves chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- to taste Salt and Peppe
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Chicken: Grill the chicken breasts until thoroughly cooked and lightly charred. Let them cool, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: To the bowl with the pasta, add the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve the chicken pasta salad chilled or at room temperature.
Tips and Information
Conclusion:
Chicken Pasta Salad is a versatile and wholesome dish that combines protein, carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables in a delightful medley. Its adaptability and balanced flavors make it a favorite choice for meals, gatherings, and occasions where a satisfying and nutritious dish is desired. Whether enjoyed in a casual setting or as part of a special meal, Chicken Pasta Salad offers a delicious and fulfilling culinary experience.Tips and Overview
- Pasta Choice: Use a pasta shape that holds dressing well, like fusilli or penne.
- Cooking Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until just al dente as it will continue to absorb the dressing.
- Chicken Preparation: For added flavor, marinate the chicken before grilling with herbs and spices of your choice.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your preference.
- Dressing: Adjust the ingredients in the dressing to suit your taste. For a creamier dressing, you can add a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be served as a main course or as a side dish at picnics and barbecues.