Description
Easy Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your table. With juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and al dente pasta tossed in a zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean goodness, making it a go-to recipe that will impress your guests while keeping your stress levels low.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- 2. While the chicken cooks, boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and let cool.
- 3. Chop cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and thinly slice red onion.
- 4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- 5. In a large bowl, combine pasta with vegetables, sliced chicken, basil, and dressing. Toss gently to mix.
- 6. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg