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Italian Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken

Italian Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken

Lunch
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
30min
Servings
4
Calories
420
Chef's Note

For the best flavor, make this salad a few hours ahead or even the night before. The extra time allows the dressing to penetrate the pasta and vegetables, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish. Just reserve a bit of the dressing to refresh the salad right before serving.

Tags
Italian
pasta
chicken
salad
lunch
meal prep
summer
grilled
Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes

  • 1 medium cucumber

  • 1 medium red bell pepper

  • 1/4 cup red onion

  • 1/3 cup black olives, sliced

  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
  • 1

    In a shallow dish, combine 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over chicken breasts, then coat with the seasoning mixture.

  • 2

    Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  • 3

    While chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces of rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

  • 4

    Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.

  • 5

    Slice 1 cup cherry tomatoes in half, dice 1 medium cucumber and 1 medium red bell pepper, and finely dice 1/4 cup red onion.

  • 6

    Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

  • 7

    In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to make the dressing.

  • 8

    Add the sliced chicken, vegetables, 1/3 cup sliced black olives, and 4 ounces mozzarella pearls to the pasta. Tear 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and add to the bowl.

  • 9

    Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition Information (per serving)
420
Calories
28g
Protein
42g
Carbs
15g
Fat

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