Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad: Your Quick Go-To for Meal Prep

This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is a quick and delicious option for meal prep, featuring juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy mozzarella.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Chilling Time 30

Total Time 1

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 ounces Rotini Pasta Substitute with penne or fusilli if desired.

For the Chicken

2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Can substitute with rotisserie chicken or chicken thighs.

For Flavor

1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Use herbs de Provence or an Italian herbs blend if unavailable.
3 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its robust flavor.

For Crunch and Freshness

1 cup Cucumber Swap with bell peppers for a different texture.
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Any small tomato variety works beautifully.
1/4 cup Red Onion Substitute with green onions for a milder taste.
1/2 cup Kalamata Olives Can replace with black olives for a milder flavor.

For Creaminess

8 ounces Small Mozzarella Balls Use diced mozzarella or feta cheese for variation.
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Swap cilantro for a different herbaceous note.

For Dressing

1/2 cup Italian Dressing Use a homemade or store-bought version, or swap with vinaigrette if needed.
to taste Salt Essential for balancing flavors.
to taste Pepper Essential for balancing flavors.

Equipment

Grill or Grill Pan
large pot
colander
Mixing bowl
Whisk or jar

Method

Preparation Steps

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Grill for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Let rest, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
In a large pot, bring salted water to boil. Cook rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Combine Italian dressing ingredients in a bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until well-blended. Chill dressing while preparing the salad.
In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, grilled chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, and parsley. Drizzle dressing over top and gently toss.
Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, store dressing separately until ready to serve to maintain pasta texture. Use high-quality ingredients for enhanced flavor. Chill salad before serving to meld flavors together.

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