This chicken and vegetable pasta salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pasta in a tangy dressing, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Best of all, it can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy individuals or families. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad will surely impress your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. As an added bonus, this recipe is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Interesting Facts
Pasta salads are a popular dish in American cuisine, especially during the summer months.
This recipe can be easily customized by adding or substituting different vegetables based on personal preferences.
The red wine vinegar in the dressing gives the salad a tangy and refreshing flavor.
Leftover chicken can be transformed into a delicious and nutritious meal with this recipe.