Main Dishes
Chicken Pasta Salad
Description
This Chicken Pasta Salad with colorful veggies, dreamy mozzarella pearls, juicy chicken, and a simple Italian dressing solves one of life’s greatest conundrums: What should I eat for lunch today?
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, cubed chicken about 3 medium breasts
- 1 pound asparagus or green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt plus additional for cooking the asparagus and pasta
- 16 ounces whole wheat bowtie pasta or similar short, tubular pasta
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion about ½ small
- 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar divided
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts drained, cut into bite-sized pieces, and patted dry
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 4 ounces mozzarella pearls about 1 cup
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil or 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
Directions
- If necessary, cook and cube or shred the chicken. See How to Cook Shredded Chicken, Crockpot Shredded Chicken, Instant Pot Chicken, Baked Chicken Breast, Grilled Chicken Breast, or Air Fryer Chicken Breast for easy cooking methods.
- Prepare an ice bath and set it near the stove. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the asparagus. Cook until the asparagus is crisp-tender and bright green, about 2 to 3 minutes (green beans may need a minute longer). With a slotted spoon, transfer the asparagus to the ice bath to stop its cooking (do not drain the boiling liquid). Let the asparagus cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then with the slotted spoon, transfer it to towels and pat dry.
- Return the water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain into a colander, then rinse with cool water to stop the cooking. Shake the colander several times, then set the colander on towels or a plate and allow the water to continue to drain. You can also set it in the sink to drain (just don't forget about it and accidentally add soap).
- In a VERY large bowl, place the onion. Add the 2 tablespoons of the vinegar. Add the asparagus, bell pepper, artichokes, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and chicken (no need to stir again just yet).
