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Chicken Pasta Salad

Zesty Chicken Pasta Salad for a Vibrant Summer Meal

Enjoy this vibrant Chicken Pasta Salad, perfect for summer with its fresh ingredients and zesty lemon parmesan dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Pasta (rotini or penne)
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breast Grilled, can be substituted with grilled tofu or chickpeas
  • 1 piece Cucumber Can substitute with zucchini
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 piece Red Onion Can substitute with green onions
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers (Red and Green/Yellow) Can consider mini peppers
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley Can substitute with cilantro or basil
  • 2 pieces Green Onion Chives are a great alternative
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed, can substitute with lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Can substitute with whole grain mustard or omit
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced, can use garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup Agave syrup is perfect for vegans
  • 1/4 cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with nutritional yeast
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Jar for dressing
  • Colander

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey or maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper. Secure the lid and shake until creamy.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts for even thickness, season, and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked.
  3. Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions, drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion, and chop bell peppers; combine in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add the drained pasta and grilled chicken pieces to the mixing bowl, pour the dressing over the salad, and toss gently.
  6. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container, keeping the dressing separate if preparing in advance.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use the freshest vegetables for optimal flavor. Adjust seasonings to taste. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

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