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Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a refreshing and easy-to-make meal bursting with flavor and texture. Featuring smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese, this vibrant salad blends savory, tangy, and creamy notes perfectly. Ideal for quick dinners, picnics, or packed lunches, this salad combines simple, fresh ingredients into a satisfying dish with loads of personality.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 2 cups cooked penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped and crisped

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber slices, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Cheese and Dressing

  • 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup natural Italian dressing

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it off for the salad. This helps keep it firm and ready to soak up the dressing.
  2. Prepare the Chicken and Turkey Bacon: Dice cooked chicken breast and chop smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Crisp up the turkey bacon in a pan for best flavor, then let it cool slightly.
  3. Chop the Fresh Veggies: Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely slice the red onion, and cut cucumber into small chunks. Tear fresh basil leaves by hand to preserve their aroma and freshness.
  4. Combine Ingredients and Dress: In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken, turkey bacon, veggies, and plant-based cheese. Pour natural Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything in that tangy goodness.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover your salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the dressing soak in. Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves or cracked black pepper if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness; rinse immediately after draining.
  • Taste the salad before serving and adjust the dressing for more tang or sweetness if desired.
  • Chop vegetables just before assembling to maintain crispness and vibrant color.
  • Crumble plant-based cheese evenly to distribute creaminess throughout the salad.
  • Letting the salad chill enhances the flavor and texture significantly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: chicken pasta salad, Italian dressing, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, easy pasta salad, summer salad, gluten free

Find it online: https://familycookspot.com/chicken-pasta-salad-with-italian-dressing/