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Chicken Pasta Salad

Delicious Chicken Pasta Salad with Zesty Lemon Dressing

This Chicken Pasta Salad combines juicy grilled chicken, al dente pasta, and crunchy vegetables, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for summer picnics.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Pasta Use your favorite shape, gluten-free if desired.
  • 2 breasts Chicken Grilled; substitute with grilled tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Diced; zucchini can be an alternative.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved; diced tomatoes may also work.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Diced; green onions can be used for milder flavor.
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Diced; mix various colors or use shredded carrots.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley Fresh; basil or dill can also enhance the dish.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can swap with avocado oil.
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed; lime juice can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Or maple syrup for vegan option.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast as a vegan substitute.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • mixing bowl
  • Pot
  • Jar

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey. Add salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Shake for 30 seconds and set aside.
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Pound chicken to uniform thickness, season, and grill for 4-5 minutes each side until cooked. Let rest for 10 minutes before chopping.
  3. Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, chicken, and parsley. Toss gently.
  5. Pour dressing over salad and toss until well coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Allowing the salad to chill enhances flavors. Add dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.

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