Garden pasta salad
Delight in a fresh and healthy Garden Pasta Salad featuring whole-wheat pasta, tender chicken breast, vibrant veggies, and a touch of mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner!
- 23 May 2024
- Cook time 25 min
- Prep time 15 min
- 1 Servings
- 8 Ingredients
Garden pasta salad is a versatile and nutritious dish that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner. Combining whole-wheat pasta, fresh vegetables, and a protein boost from chicken, this recipe is both hearty and healthy. The addition of mozzarella cheese and Italian dressing ensures that every bite is flavorful. Let’s dive in and prepare this delightful salad together!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the whole-wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper (optional).
- Cook the chicken breast in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it cool slightly, and then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the green pepper into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the olives into slices or leave them whole, based on preference.
- If using whole carrots, peel and shred or chop them into small pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chicken pieces, green pepper, olives, carrots, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Dress the Salad:
- Pour 2 tbsp of Italian salad dressing over the mixture.
- Toss everything together until all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
- For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy your Garden Pasta Salad!
Tips:
- Cook the pasta to al dente to ensure it retains a bit of firmness and doesn't become mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onions for extra crunch and color.
- You can substitute the mozzarella cheese with feta for a tangier taste.
- Serve the salad chilled for the best flavors. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. Fresh vegetables and good quality olive oil can make a big difference in taste.
This Garden pasta salad is an effortless way to combine healthy ingredients into a delicious meal. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the fridge on a hot day or as a flavorful side dish, it’s sure to please. With its vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and the smoothness of mozzarella, every bite is a delightful experience. Enjoy your homemade, wholesome salad!
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 360 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 400kcal | 16% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 40g | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 30g | 9% |
| Fiber 4.79g | 13% |
| Sugar 6g | 6% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 27g | 31% |
| Saturated 6g | 22% |
| Cholesterol 100mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 290ug | 33% |
| Choline 120mg | 21% |
| Vitamin B1 0.28mg | 23% |
| Vitamin B2 0.41mg | 31% |
| Vitamin B3 14mg | 88% |
| Vitamin B6 1.23mg | 73% |
| Vitamin B9 40ug | 10% |
| Vitamin B12 0.51ug | 21% |
| Vitamin C 50mg | 55% |
| Vitamin E 2.84mg | 19% |
| Vitamin K 13ug | 11% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 260mg | 20% |
| Copper, Cu 0.31mg | 0% |
| Iron, Fe 3.18mg | 29% |
| Magnesium, Mg 90mg | 21% |
| Phosphorus, P 510mg | 41% |
| Potassium, K 710mg | 21% |
| Selenium, Se 60ug | 104% |
| Sodium, Na 480mg | 32% |
| Zinc, Zn 2.82mg | 26% |
| Water | |
| Water 260g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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