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Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Italian Chicken Pasta Salad
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Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, fresh veggies, and herbs with a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for lunches, picnics, or family gatherings, it offers a balanced mix of textures and fresh flavors that celebrate Italian-inspired comfort food with a modern twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 3 cups tri-color rotini or penne pasta (uncooked)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubes

Dressing and Seasoning

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

Optional Extras

  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cucumbers, diced
  • 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes for spicy kick (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta perfectly: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Use cooked chicken breast, whether roasted, boiled, or grilled. Shred or cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces to provide a good protein base for the salad.
  3. Chop and prep veggies and herbs: Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, pit and halve the Kalamata olives if needed, and finely chop the fresh basil and parsley, contributing fresh flavor and texture.
  4. Combine ingredients in a bowl: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta, chicken, veggies, herbs, and mozzarella together to evenly distribute all components.
  5. Dress the salad and season: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss again to coat everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil and parsley for vibrant flavor.
  • Add dressing gradually to prevent sogginess.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor blending.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.
  • If prepping ahead by more than a day, keep dressing separate and toss before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian chicken pasta salad, pasta salad, Italian salad, chicken salad, tri-color rotini salad, easy pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad

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