When it comes to satisfying and delicious meals, a chicken pasta salad truly hits the spot. Combining the best of both worlds, this dish is perfect as a summer lunch, a light dinner, or even for gatherings and potlucks. With endless variations, we bring you our favorite chicken pasta salad recipe that combines great flavors and nutrition. Let’s dive into the steps of making this scrumptious salad.

Ingredients:

– 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (bowtie, penne or fusilli work great)

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup cucumber, diced

– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing:

– 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

– 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool down the pasta.

2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables by washing and chopping them as mentioned in the ingredients list.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with shredded or cubed chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese and fresh parsley.

4. To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic cloves in a small mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

5. Pour the dressing over your chicken pasta salad and toss gently until everything is well coated and combined.

6. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

7. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and garnish with extra parsley if desired.

This best chicken pasta salad recipe is not only extremely versatile, but it’s also refreshing and filling all at once. Add or remove ingredients according to your preferences, such as adding bell peppers or swapping feta cheese for goat cheese. Enjoy this delightful dish at your next sunny picnic or family gathering!