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A colorful plate of Vibrant Chicken Pasta Salad featuring spiral pasta coated in a bright Italian dressing, topped with grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and grated cheese, with a garnish of green herbs on a rustic white plate.

Vibrant Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

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Vibrant Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a colorful, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or gatherings. Made with tender chicken, al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing, this easy-to-make salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines vibrant ingredients with a delicious dressing for a refreshing meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (about 225 grams) of pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini work well)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and sliced or shredded
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken breasts. You can cook them by grilling, baking, or using a skillet. For an easy method, check out this high-protein honey garlic butter chicken. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and black olives. Add the chopped parsley for freshness, then pour the Italian dressing over the mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if you want the salad to stay crisp longer. Toss again before serving to refresh.
  • Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or artichoke hearts for variety.
  • You can substitute Greek yogurt or vinaigrette for the Italian dressing for healthier options.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 320 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Find it online: https://www.serenarecipes.com/vibrant-chicken-pasta-salad-with-italian-dressing/