Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a meal on its own or as a hearty side? Look no further than this delectable Italian Chicken Penne Pasta Salad! Packed with flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds, this recipe is perfect for a casual lunch, picnic, or family gathering. Let’s dive in and create this flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Italian Chicken Penne Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 2 cups penne pasta
– 2 chicken breasts, grilled and diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the dressing:
– 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing – olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Add the diced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped basil leaves, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the bowl with the penne pasta.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients, ensuring everything is well coated. Gently toss the ingredients to combine and coat them evenly with the dressing.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning and dressing quantities according to your preference.
6. Once the salad is well mixed and seasoned to your liking, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed. You can garnish with additional basil leaves or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.
Enjoy your Italian Chicken Penne Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature, alongside some crusty bread or as a delicious standalone dish. This recipe is perfect for easy entertaining or a quick weeknight dinner. It’s versatile, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Bon appétit!
