When summer arrives, and you find yourself looking for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal, a chicken pasta salad is a perfect choice. Packed with flavors and textures, this Quick Easy Chicken Pasta Salad recipe is versatile, light, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a potluck, or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Quick Easy Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cucumber, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the cooked chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the pasta.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Just before serving, give the salad a final toss to mix everything again. You can garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
8. Serve the Quick Easy Chicken Pasta Salad chilled, enjoying the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
This Quick Easy Chicken Pasta Salad is a fantastic dish that you can customize to suit your preferences. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients according to what you have on hand or what you love best. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner idea or just someone who enjoys delicious, fuss-free meals, this salad is a great option. Enjoy the simplicity and taste of this delightful recipe that is bound to become a regular on your menu rotation.
