Grilled Chicken and Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 lb dry penne pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper and grill for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from heat and let cool. Once cooled, cut into cubes.
4. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and basil.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine.
8. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Interesting Facts

• This salad can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• You can use any type of pasta you like or have on hand.
• You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken if you don’t have time to grill your own.