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Chicken Pasta Salad

Delicious Chicken Pasta Salad for Quick Meal Prep Bliss

This Chicken Pasta Salad is a quick, customizable, and flavorful dish perfect for meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Fusilli Pasta Feel free to swap with any pasta shape you love.
  • 2 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Rotisserie chicken can speed up prep.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic works great if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust according to your dietary needs.
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Tailor it to your taste.
  • 6 slices Bacon Consider turkey bacon or omitting for a lighter dish.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Cherry tomatoes can be a lovely substitute.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Try arugula for a peppery twist.
  • 4 ounces Crumbled Feta Mozzarella is a delicious alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Soaking in cold water tames the flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Freshly Chopped Dill Parsley or basil are fantastic replacements.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Opt for high-quality for better flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar White or apple cider vinegar can also work.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder is a fallback if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard Whole grain mustard is a flavorful alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Adjust to suit your palate.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • small bowl
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
  4. Whisk together the remaining olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, mustard, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Season to taste.
  5. Combine cooled pasta, chopped chicken, bacon, tomatoes, spinach, feta, red onion, and dill in a large bowl. Toss gently.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
  7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Customize the salad with different proteins or vegetables to keep it exciting every time you make it.

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