Description
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and wholesome whole wheat pasta. Tossed in a zesty dressing, this salad delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed cold or warm. Impress your family and friends with this deliciously nutritious meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add whole wheat pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes per side). Let cool before slicing.
- Chop the Veggies: Dice cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- Whisk Together Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until blended.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, mix cooked pasta, veggies, sliced chicken, and dressing. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve It Up: Transfer to plates or a serving bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg