When warm weather arrives, it’s the perfect time to whip up a delicious Rotini Chicken Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish is a delightful blend of tangy flavors and satisfying textures, making it a versatile meal for picnics, potlucks, or even a light dinner at home. The combination of rotini pasta, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing creates a refreshing and filling salad that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
**Rotini Chicken Pasta Salad**
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 English cucumber, diced
– 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Dressing:**
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, diced chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and parsley.
4. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss lightly again.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
8. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to ensure everything is well combined and coated with the dressing.
9. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
10. Serve the Rotini Chicken Pasta Salad chilled as a refreshing main dish or as a side to grilled meats or sandwiches for a complete meal.
Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures in this Rotini Chicken Pasta Salad, perfect for any occasion when you want to impress your guests with a colorful and tasty dish. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, whip up a batch of this pasta salad and get ready to savor the fresh and satisfying taste of summer in every bite!
