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–+ servings
Chicken Pasta Salad

Zesty Chicken Pasta Salad to Brighten Your Summer Days

Enjoy a refreshing Chicken Pasta Salad packed with colorful veggies and grilled chicken, perfect for summer meals and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups short pasta any short pasta works well; opt for gluten-free for lighter version
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound chicken breast pound to uniform thickness; substitute with tofu for vegetarian option
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup cucumber adds refreshing crunch; can substitute with zucchini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes provides natural sweetness; diced regular tomatoes can work
  • 1/2 cup red onion contributes sharpness; use green onions for milder taste
  • 1 cup red bell pepper adds sweetness and vibrant color; yellow or orange can swap
  • 1 cup green/yellow bell pepper provides additional crunch and sweetness
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley try using basil for a different herb twist
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil the base for your dressing; avocado oil is an alternative
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice brings brightness; lime juice can also brighten
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard adds tanginess; omit for a milder taste
  • 2 cloves garlic adds freshness; skip for less intense flavor
  • 1 tablespoon honey/maple syrup balances acidity; maple syrup is a vegan choice
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese provides umami depth; use nutritional yeast for dairy-free
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt essential for flavor enhancement
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper essential for flavor enhancement
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder brings extra depth; substitute with fresh minced garlic
Spices
  • 1 teaspoon paprika adds smokiness; smoked paprika enhances flavor profile
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning infuses mixed herb flavors; oregano or thyme can substitute

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Grill Pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • jar or bowl for dressing

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the short pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness, season with Italian seasoning, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked and golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Dice cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers into uniform bite-sized pieces.
  4. Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar: olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey/maple syrup, and Parmesan cheese. Shake well to emulsify.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and sliced chicken. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for meal prep. Enjoy within 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal taste, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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