Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

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

Description

This Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a refreshing and colorful dish combining tender rotini pasta, juicy chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and crisp vegetables. Tossed with a zesty natural Italian dressing and fresh parsley, it provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile salad is great as a main meal, side dish, or on-the-go lunch, with customizable options to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 2 cups rotini pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup plant-based cheese, cubed
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Dressing and Seasoning

  • 1/3 cup natural Italian dressing (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
  2. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Dice or shred the cooked chicken breast. In a separate pan, cook smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop the Vegetables and Cheese: Halve the grape tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, cube the plant-based cheese, and finely chop fresh parsley.
  4. Combine Ingredients with Dressing: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta, chicken, turkey bacon, vegetables, and cheese. Drizzle with the natural Italian dressing, mixing thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Season and Chill: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors and chill before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly made Italian dressing (natural) for the best flavor and brightness.
  • Do not overcook the pasta to maintain firm texture and avoid mushiness.
  • Chill the salad well to let flavors blend beautifully.
  • Cook bacon until crispy to provide a nice contrast in texture.
  • Toss salad gently to prevent plant-based cheese and vegetables from breaking down.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Boiling, Pan-cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: chicken pasta salad, Italian dressing salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, plant-based cheese salad, easy pasta salad, quick lunch, meal prep salad, gluten free pasta salad

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