Description
A quick and easy high-protein pasta salad featuring whole-grain pasta, diced chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner, packed with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz whole-grain pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the whole-grain pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a tangy and flavorful dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, diced cooked chicken breast, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, sliced black olives, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the salad with the dressing.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the pasta salad immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerate for up to 3 days to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
Notes
- Use whole-grain pasta to increase fiber and overall nutrition.
- Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breast with chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to keep the salad fresh up to 3 days.
- Add more fresh herbs like basil or mint for additional flavor variations.
