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Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

A delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and rotini pasta with a zesty dressing, perfect for warm days and gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta

For the Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

For the Chicken

  • 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

For the Salad

  • 1 cup Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl to cool.

Make the Dressing

  • In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Cook the Chicken

  • In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s nearly cooked through (about 4-5 minutes).

Combine Chicken and Dressing

  • Pour the dressing over the chicken and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes more).

Mix It All Together

  • In the large bowl with the pasta, add the cooked chicken and dressing. Toss gently to combine. Then add diced tomatoes, chopped basil, diced cucumber, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir well to evenly distribute all the ingredients.

Taste and Adjust

  • Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if necessary.

Notes

Best served chilled or at room temperature. For best taste and texture, add fresh ingredients and dressing right before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
Keyword Chicken Salad, Healthy Meal, Italian Salad, Pasta Salad, Summer Recipe