Easy Pasta Salad with Chicken
If you’re looking for a simple and delicious meal, an Easy Pasta Salad with Chicken is a great choice. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pasta into one tasty bowl. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at a picnic. Let’s dive into why you should make this delightful recipe and how to create it step by step.
Why Make This Recipe
This Easy Pasta Salad with Chicken is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers a nutritious balance of protein, carbs, and fresh veggies. It is versatile, meaning you can use any pasta and toss in your favorite vegetables. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken! Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a dish for a gathering, this pasta salad is sure to impress.
How to Make Easy Pasta Salad with Chicken
Making this Easy Pasta Salad with Chicken is simple and quick. Follow these easy steps to get your meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 460 grams (1 lb) boneless chicken breast
- 360 grams (13 oz.) dry pasta (fusilli, rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 200 grams (2 cups) cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 150 grams (1 cup) sweet corn (canned, drained)
- 1 1/2 avocados (large, diced)
- 150 grams (5 oz) mozzarella balls (or diced mozzarella)
- A handful of black olives (sliced in half)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 garlic clove (finely minced)
- 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning (mix of dry oregano and dry basil)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions:
Start by cooking the chicken breast. Heat 1 1/2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool. Cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Meanwhile, boil water in a large pot. Add the dry pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, diced avocado, and mozzarella balls.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing. Mix together 4 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp of white vinegar, 1 tsp of honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mix. Gently toss everything to coat well.
Add the sliced black olives and give it one last gentle toss.
How to Serve Easy Pasta Salad with Chicken
You can serve this Easy Pasta Salad with Chicken cold or at room temperature. It makes for a refreshing meal on a hot day. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. This dish is also great on its own or paired with garlic bread.
How to Store Easy Pasta Salad with Chicken
To store leftovers, place the pasta salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, give it a gentle stir and check the seasoning, as the flavors may develop over time.
Tips to Make Easy Pasta Salad with Chicken
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- Feel free to mix in any of your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers or cucumbers.
- For a bit of crunch, add nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds.
Variation
To add more flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of pesto to the dressing or including roasted vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers. You can also swap the mozzarella for feta cheese for a tangy twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
2. How do I make this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
3. Can I use other types of protein?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, turkey, or tofu in place of chicken to switch things up.
Enjoy your cooking, and savor the fresh flavors of this Easy Pasta Salad with Chicken!
