Description
A refreshing and flavorful Chicken Pasta Salad combining tender cooked chicken, vibrant vegetables, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty garlic and balsamic dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and cooled pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 ½ cups cooked and chopped chicken breast
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil leaves until evenly mixed.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, ensuring the dressing is well emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything thoroughly but gently, making sure all ingredients are well coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, you can serve the salad at room temperature if desired.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature, enjoying a fresh and satisfying meal.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Cooked pasta should be rinsed under cold water and cooled before mixing to prevent clumping.
- For added crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Use rotini or penne pasta as they hold the dressing well.
- Leftover salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
