Nani’s Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is full of bright flavor and colorful vegetables. Tender chicken makes it a satisfying main meal. It is perfect for sunny outdoor lunches and quick dinners.

Prep 20 minutes Cook 10 minutes Total 30 minutes Serves 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces rotini pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup Italian salad dressing
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

How to make it

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl and toss it with half of the Italian dressing.
4. Add the chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and bell pepper to the bowl.
5. Pour the remaining dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
6. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top before serving.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes if you prefer to serve your salad chilled.

Tips

Chill the salad in the fridge before eating for the best flavor. You can pack leftovers for easy work lunches.