Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

This vibrant and hearty salad combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and crisp vegetables tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 cups (200 g) dry pasta (e.g., rotini, penne, or farfalle)
2 cups (250 g) cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup (100 g) cucumber, diced
1/2 cup (50 g) red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup (40 g) red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup (75 g) black or green olives, sliced
1/2 cup (50 g) mozzarella pearls or shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Toss with Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving.

Tips

Protein Options: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, turkey, or chickpeas for variety.
Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Add fresh basil and extra dressing just before serving.
Customization: Add other Italian-inspired ingredients like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.

Enjoy your refreshing Italian Chicken Pasta Salad! 🥗🍗🍅