Are you craving a quick, delicious meal that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your family or guests? Look no further than this mouthwatering Chicken and Pasta Salad! Packed with vibrant colors, exciting textures, and a perfect blend of savory flavors, this American-style dish is about to become your new go-to recipe. Whether you're planning a summer picnic, a quick lunch, or a light dinner, this salad promises to deliver maximum satisfaction in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken, diced
- Pasta, cooked
- Bell peppers, diced
- Red onion, chopped
- Olives, sliced
- Italian dressing
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: cooked chicken (diced), cooked pasta (preferably rotini or penne), diced bell peppers (any color), chopped red onion, sliced olives (black or green), Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and diced cooked chicken. Ensure the pasta is cooled to room temperature to prevent the chicken from warming up too much.
- Add the diced bell peppers and chopped red onion to the bowl. These vegetables will add color and crunch to your salad.
- Next, incorporate the sliced olives into the mixture. They will provide a briny flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Drizzle Italian dressing over the salad mixture. Start with about 1/4 cup and adjust to taste. Toss the ingredients gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad. This will add a rich, savory flavor. Mix gently to combine.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the saltiness from the olives and dressing when adding salt.
- Once all ingredients are well combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning or dressing as necessary.
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Rotini or penne work best as they hold the dressing and ingredients perfectly.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your chicken and pasta are cooled to room temperature before mixing to maintain the ideal texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap bell peppers or add additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumber for extra crunch.
- Dressing Hack: For a more intense flavor, let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
- Make It Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Protein Variations: Use grilled, rotisserie, or leftover chicken for convenience.
- Keep It Fresh: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
