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Chicken Pasta Salad

Zesty Chicken Pasta Salad for a Refreshing Summer Bite

Enjoy this Chicken Pasta Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing for a refreshing and customizable meal perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta any type; whole grain or gluten-free options
For the Chicken
  • 2 breasts Chicken Breast can be replaced with grilled tofu for vegetarian option
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Cucumber diced; swap for zucchini or shredded carrots if desired
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved; regular tomatoes also work well
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion diced; shallots are a milder substitute
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers diced; any variety is fine
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley can substitute with basil or cilantro
  • 2 stems Green Onion chopped; chives are a good alternative
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil avocado oil makes a suitable substitute
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice lime juice can be used instead
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard whole grain mustard is a variation
  • 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic increase for a stronger flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup agave works well for vegan option
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese swap for nutritional yeast for vegan
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or use fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika chili powder can add extra spice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning dried oregano or thyme are substitutes
  • to taste Salt and Pepper adjust according to preferences

Equipment

  • large pot
  • grill
  • Jar
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Shake well until creamy.
  2. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness, season, and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest before cutting.
  3. Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped veggies, grilled chicken, and dressing. Toss until coated.
  5. Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld. Can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep dressing separate if making ahead for freshness.

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