Chicken & Pasta Salad
Indulge in a vibrant Chicken & Pasta Salad, where tender grilled chicken meets perfectly cooked rotini pasta and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. This delightful dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s a casual lunch, picnic, or as a side at your next gathering. The combination of flavors and textures ensures that everyone will be asking for seconds. Plus, it’s meal prep-friendly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup basil leaves
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the rotini until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the chicken: Season with salt and pepper, grill on medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temp). Let rest before slicing.
- Chop vegetables: Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and finely chop red onion.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken slices, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
- Dress your salad: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Find it online: https://quickwithemma.com/chicken-pasta-salad/