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Delicious chicken pasta salad with vibrant vegetables and dressing

Chicken Pasta Salad

A delightful Chicken Pasta Salad combining grilled chicken, rotini pasta, and fresh vegetables in a tangy dressing, perfect for warm weather meals and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 7 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 1 lb rotini pasta Choose a sturdy short pasta for the best texture.
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Grill quickly and slice cleanly.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning Use fresh herbs if available.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For grilling the chicken.
Vegetables
  • 1 cup cucumber, quartered and sliced Pick firm cucumbers; seed if watery.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced For flavor and texture.
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, halved Substitute with green olives if preferred.
  • ¾ cup small mozzarella balls, halved Halving distributes cheese evenly.
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped Add freshness.
Dressing
  • 1¼ cups Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought) Adjust salt and acidity to taste.
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil For the dressing flavor.
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar Provides tang.
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese Enhances flavor.
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp finely minced red bell pepper
  • 1½ tsp dried minced onion
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ¾ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar To balance acidity.
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For some heat.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Grilling Chicken
  1. Preheat grill or grill pan. Rub chicken with olive oil and Italian seasoning, grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked.
  2. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Preparing Dressing
  1. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and spices for the dressing. Adjust salt and acidity to taste.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, vegetables, mozzarella, and parsley.
  2. Pour dressing over and toss gently.
Chilling
  1. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

This salad can be prepared ahead and stored, but should be consumed within 24 to 48 hours for best texture.