Are you looking for a dish that combines the heartiness of chicken with the freshness of a salad, all packed into a delightful pasta bowl? Look no further! Our Kickin Chicken Pasta Salad recipe is the perfect solution for a flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. This dish brings together tender chunks of seasoned chicken, colorful veggies, tangy dressing, and al dente pasta for a delightful culinary experience. It’s easy to make, great for gatherings or meal prep, and is sure to become a family favorite.
**Kickin Chicken Pasta Salad**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
– 8 oz bowtie pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Dressing:**
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and parsley. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta salad and give it one final toss to ensure that all the flavors are well combined.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve chilled and garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this flavorful Kickin Chicken Pasta Salad as a main course or a scrumptious side dish for any occasion!
This Kickin Chicken Pasta Salad not only tastes amazing but also provides a balanced meal with a mix of protein, carbs, and veggies. It’s versatile too! Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste preferences. This recipe is a wonderful option for a quick weeknight dinner, a picnic in the park, or a potluck with friends. Get creative and make this dish your own – everyone will be asking for seconds!
