If you’re a fan of refreshing and flavorful pasta salads, then the Chicken Salad Chick Pasta Salad is an absolute must-try! Bursting with vibrant colors and an array of delicious ingredients, this pasta salad recipe is the perfect dish for a summer picnic, potluck, or a delightful family meal. Let’s dive into the simple and tasty recipe that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This flavorful dressing will tie all the ingredients together.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss again until the pasta is evenly mixed with the chicken and vegetables, and the dressing is well distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish the pasta salad with additional fresh parsley and a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy Your Chicken Salad Chick Pasta Salad!
Now, your scrumptious Chicken Salad Chick Pasta Salad is ready to impress your family and friends! This delightful pasta salad combines the goodness of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or as a standalone meal—it’s sure to be a hit!
Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite veggies, such as spinach, broccoli, or artichoke hearts. You can also swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or keep it vegetarian with chickpeas or tofu.
Bon appétit! Enjoy the flavors and colors of this refreshing pasta salad that will bring joy to any gathering or weekday meal.