Description
Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Skinny Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is your go-to dish for summer gatherings or meal prep. Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, this salad is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup assorted bell peppers, diced
- ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- While chicken cooks, boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Dice cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and slice red onion thinly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped veggies, diced chicken (once cooled), fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss gently.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg