Colorful Chicken Pasta Salad 🌈🍗🍝✨
Ingredients:
• For the Grilled Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Salad:
• 8 oz rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate and Grill the Chicken:
• In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let them sit for 20-30 minutes.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
• Once cooked, remove from the grill and let the chicken rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Pasta:
• Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool, then set aside.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Salad:
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve:
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. You can also refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings: 4
Calories: Approx. 400-500 per serving (depending on portion sizes and toppings)
This Colorful Chicken Pasta Salad is packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant colors that will brighten any meal. It’s a perfect option for a make-ahead dish that’s full of flavor and nutrition! 🌈🍗🍝✨