Description
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and whole wheat pasta, all drizzled with a zesty dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, brunches, or meal prep, this salad is both delicious and versatile. With vibrant ingredients and delightful flavors, it’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 medium cucumber (diced)
- 1 cup bell peppers (chopped)
- ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet with olive oil for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.
- Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, chop bell peppers, and thinly slice red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced chicken, vegetables, and dressing; toss until well coated.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - Customize with seasonal veggies or nuts for extra crunch.- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.