Italian Chicken Pasta Salad 🥗
Overview:
This Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining tender gemelli pasta with crisp vegetables and savory Parmesan cheese. The secret lies in marinating the ingredients overnight, allowing the pasta to soak up the delicious dressing, resulting in a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a quick and easy meal, this salad is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.
Cooking Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gemelli pasta
- 1/2 green pepper, diced
- 1/2 carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 478.3
- Fat: 3.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 5.5mg
- Sodium: 138.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 92g
- Fiber: 5.7g
- Sugar: 5.4g
- Protein: 18g
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by cooking the gemelli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Marinate: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gemelli pasta, diced green pepper, grated carrot, and shredded chicken breast.
- Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly. For the best flavor, allow the salad to marinate in the dressing, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
- Season: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with garlic salt and black pepper to taste. This step enhances the flavors and adds a delightful kick to the salad.
- Serve: Transfer the Italian Chicken Pasta Salad to a serving dish or individual plates. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in every mouthful. This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing lunch or dinner option.
Tips:
- Marinate Overnight: For the most flavorful results, allow the salad to marinate in the dressing overnight. This gives the pasta ample time to absorb the delicious flavors.
- Customize: Feel free to customize this salad by adding your favorite vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives.
- Make Ahead: This Italian Chicken Pasta Salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Serve Chilled: For a refreshing twist, serve the salad chilled straight from the refrigerator.
- Meal Prep: Prepare a batch of this salad at the beginning of the week for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
Conclusion:
This Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a refreshing side dish, this salad is sure to impress. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s a recipe that you’ll turn to time and time again. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the deliciousness of this Italian-inspired dish!
