Chicken Pasta Salad
A delightful blend of creamy dressing, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables inspired by Olive Garden's Italian-American cuisine.
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 grill or oven
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup bell peppers chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely sliced
Dressing
- 1 cup creamy Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Grill or bake at 375°F until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Allow it to rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion. Toss them together until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy Italian dressing, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated. Ensure that the dressing is well distributed among all the components.
Serving
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Notes
Pro Tips: Marinate the chicken for an hour for extra flavor. Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Add extra dressing if the salad seems dry after refrigeration.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use fusilli or penne pasta as alternatives. Add black olives or artichoke hearts for variety.
How to Serve: Serve chilled for a refreshing meal. Pair it with grilled vegetables or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Keep in an airtight container for up to three days. Stir before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the salad a day in advance to enhance the flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use fusilli or penne pasta as alternatives. Add black olives or artichoke hearts for variety.
How to Serve: Serve chilled for a refreshing meal. Pair it with grilled vegetables or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Keep in an airtight container for up to three days. Stir before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the salad a day in advance to enhance the flavors.