Pasta Chicken Salad Recipe 2

I recently whipped up a vibrant pasta chicken salad that’s not only bursting with fresh flavors but also super easy to pull together. Pairing tender chicken with colorful veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is my go-to for a quick, healthy meal that feels like a little bit of sunshine in a bowl.

I love to create a dish that unites flavors and textures, and my Pasta Chicken Salad Recipe 2 does just that. With tender pasta and juicy chicken breast, it has a substantial, hearty base that is complemented by bright cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.

I like to add a touch of feta cheese for a creamy element, while the Italian dressing ties it all together, making it not only delicious but also a protein-packed powerhouse.

Pasta Chicken Salad Recipe 2 Ingredients

• Cooked Pasta: Rich in carbohydrates, provides energy and a hearty base.
• Cooked Chicken Breast: High in protein, low in fat, supports muscle growth.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, adds sweetness and vitamin C boost.
• Cucumber: Hydrating, low in calories, adds crunch.
• Red Bell Pepper: High in vitamin C, sweet, and crisp texture.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy flavor, adds creaminess, source of calcium.
• Black Olives: Adds saltiness, rich in healthy fats.
• Italian Dressing: Zesty, enhances flavor, coats ingredients.

Pasta Chicken Salad Recipe 2 Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or bowtie)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this Pasta Chicken Salad Recipe 2

1. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the pasta and the diced chicken breast. This is the base of your salad.

2. Place the cherry tomatoes, halved, the cucumber, diced, the red bell pepper, diced, and the red onion, chopped, in the bowl with the pasta and chicken.

3. Gently mix the crumbled feta cheese and sliced black olives into the salad to ensure that they are distributed evenly throughout.

4. Drizzle the Italian dressing on top of the salad components, lightly mixing to ensure everything is covered uniformly.

5. Put in the chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

6. Combine all components in a thorough manner, securing the union of all tastes and ensuring that they are well integrated.

7. Enclose the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

8. Before serving, toss the salad quickly to refresh the ingredients and redistribute the dressing.

9. Season to taste with any necessary additional salt and pepper.

10. Serve cold in single serving dishes or on a large dish, optionally garnished with extra parsley. Enjoy your cool pasta chicken salad!

Pasta Chicken Salad Recipe 2 Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Spoon or salad-tossing utensils
6. Plastic wrap or bowl lid
7. Serving dishes

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?You can use any shape of pasta you like. Salad works well with rotini, bowtie, or penne.
• How should I prepare the chicken?Poach, fry, or roast the chicken breast until thoroughly done, and then chop it into mouth-sized bits.
• Is it possible to substitute the feta cheese?Certainly, you may opt for goat cheese or mozzarella if you favor a cheese with a milder flavor.
• Can I add other vegetables?Certainly! Please add any additional vegetables you like—such as avocado, corn, or carrots—that suit your taste.
• How long does the salad last in the refrigerator?An airtight container in the fridge allows you to store it for 3 days at most.
• What can I use instead of Italian dressing?A homemade vinaigrette or any dressing of your choice can be used in place of this.

Pasta Chicken Salad Recipe 2 Substitutions and Variations

Pasta that has been cooked: Swap with healthier alternatives like whole wheat pasta or quinoa.
Prepared chicken breast: If you’re not a big fan of chicken, consider using cooked shrimp or tuna in replacement for the protein in this dish.
Cherry tomatoes: You can use grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to achieve a different taste.
Feta cheese can be replaced with goat cheese or mozzarella, both of which offer a comparably creamy texture.
Italian dressing: Switch up your dressing with balsamic vinaigrette or a homemade lemon vinaigrette.

Pro Tips

1. For an extra burst of flavor, consider marinating the cooked chicken breast in a bit of Italian dressing for 30 minutes to an hour before adding it to the salad. This will infuse the chicken with additional taste.

2. To keep the salad extra fresh, consider adding the cucumbers just before serving. This will help maintain their crunch and prevent them from becoming soggy in the fridge.

3. Toast the pasta lightly in olive oil after cooking, before cooling it down with cold water. This can add a subtle flavor and prevent the pasta from sticking together.

4. For a richer taste, try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest to the dressing. This will add a fresh citrus note that complements the other flavors in the salad nicely.

5. If you prefer a creamier salad, replace part of the Italian dressing with a couple of tablespoons of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. This will add a creamy texture and can help balance the tanginess of the feta cheese and dressing.