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As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, the appeal of chilled pasta salads becomes undeniable. These delightful dishes are not only refreshing but also incredibly versatile, making them a perfect choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply looking to prepare something light and satisfying for family dinner, a chilled chicken pasta salad with Italian dressing stands out as a crowd-pleaser. This dish combines a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, showcasing nutritious ingredients that make every bite both delicious and wholesome.

Chilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Discover the refreshing delight of Chilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing, perfect for warm days! This versatile dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all tied together with zesty Italian dressing. It's not just a meal; it's a nutritious experience suitable for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners. Get inspired to create a flavorful and satisfying salad that everyone will love. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and endless customization options!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini or penne pasta

1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to cool it down completely. Set the cooled pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion, and slice the black olives. Add all the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the cooled pasta.

      Combine the Ingredients: To the bowl of vegetables and pasta, add the diced cooked chicken and the crumbled feta cheese. This will help create a medley of textures and flavors.

        Add the Dressing: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the chicken and pasta mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well-coated and evenly distributed. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

          Chill the Salad: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

            Serve: Just before serving, give the salad a light toss to redistribute the dressing. Transfer to a serving bowl or plate, garnish generously with fresh basil leaves, and enjoy this refreshing pasta salad as a light lunch or as a delightful side dish at your next gathering!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour 20 minutes | 4 servings