Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece with this mouthwatering Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken! Imagine a perfect blend of tender pasta, juicy grilled chicken, and a burst of fresh Mediterranean flavors that will transport you straight to an Italian coastal paradise. Whether you're planning a quick lunch, a picnic, or a delightful dinner, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish that will impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup grilled chicken, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the grilled chicken. If you haven't done so already, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste if desired. Toss the salad gently again to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the feta and olives can be salty, so taste before adding too much salt.
- For optimal flavor, let the pasta salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate it for up to an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken!
Tips
- For the best flavor, use freshly grilled chicken and let it cool slightly before adding to the salad.
- Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, preventing mushy texture.
- Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Use high-quality Italian dressing or make your own for a more authentic taste.
- For extra freshness, consider adding some chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
- If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture.
- Experiment with different types of pasta like rotini or penne for varied texture and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg
