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As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, summer brings with it an array of culinary delights that celebrate the season's bounty. One dish that has secured its place as a summertime favorite is pasta salad. Easy to prepare, refreshingly cool, and bursting with vibrant flavors, pasta salads are the perfect accompaniment to picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. Among the many variations, the Refreshing Chilled Chicken Pasta Salad stands out as a light, nutritious, and versatile option that can be tailored to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.

Chilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Discover the perfect dish for summer with this Refreshing Chilled Chicken Pasta Salad. This vibrant salad combines hearty rotini pasta, tender chicken, and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and customizable, it's ideal for picnics, barbecues, or casual dinners. Packed with protein and vital nutrients, this pasta salad not only delights the taste buds but also supports a healthy lifestyle. Get ready to impress your guests with this delicious addition to your summer menu!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta

1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or rotisserie works great)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumbers, diced

½ cup red bell pepper, diced

½ cup black olives, sliced

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumbers and red bell pepper, and slice the black olives. Finely chop the red onion.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell pepper, black olives, and red onion.

        Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Add the chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

          Mix Well: Gently toss all the ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing.

            Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

              Serve: Give the salad a good stir before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your refreshing chilled chicken pasta salad!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 6 servings