If you know me, you know I love pasta salad. The pasta, the veggies, the italian dressing…all comes together for such a delicious lunch. During the summer months, my mom makes this marinated chicken that she throws on the grill. I always just called it her “summer chicken.” It wasn’t until I was older that I learned that it was basically just italian dressing for a marinade. Adding in some chicken to this pasta salad dish reminds me of her summer chicken, and is a great way to add protein in. I use canned chicken in this recipe, but you can use any form of cooked chicken! When she grills up some summer chicken, I love to cut up the leftovers and use it for a pasta salad. Hope you all enjoy!
Summer Chicken Pasta Salad
Course: Lunch, SidesDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes10
minutesThis chicken pasta salad comes together so quick and easily makes enough lunches for the week. This is also the perfect dish to bring to your next bbq!
Ingredients
1 lb rotini pasta*
6-7oz Italian dressing*
2 red peppers
10 oz grape tomatoes
½ cup shredded carrots
4-5 mini cucumbers (or 1-2 medium sized cucumbers)
2 12.5 oz canned chicken breast
Directions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add in your pasta, and cook according to box directions.
- Once cooked, drain and run until cold water. Then place pasta in a very large mixing bowl. Once you start adding the other ingredients, it doubles in size so you’ll want a large bowl.
- Add in your Italian dressing and stir. This will help the pasta not stick together.
- Cut up your peppers and cucumbers into bite sized pieces, and add to mixing bowl. Cut your tomatoes in half and add to mixing bowl. Add shredded carrots to mixing bowl. Mix everything together.
- Next, open and drain your canned chicken. Add to pasta salad. Stir.
- Place pasta salad in your meal prep dishes or serving dish, and then refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape but I prefer rotini
- I use Marzetti Italian dressing as it is just the right amount of creamy for me, but again you can use any brand! You could even do zesty italian dressing if you want a little kick.
- As I said earlier, feel free to experiment with different types of chicken. You can use leftover grilled chicken, or store bought cooked chicken. You can even use shredded chicken. They all work in this dish.
- Store in fridge for up to 5 days in airtight container
Leave a Reply