Chicken Pasta Salad

Bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, chicken pasta salad is the perfect balance of hearty chicken, al dente pasta, and tangy Italian dressing. A hint of heat from the pepperoncini peppers elevates the dish, making it a stand-out at any gathering.

Ingredients

Pasta:

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
• 8 ounces fresh mini mozzarella cheese balls halved
• 1/2 to 1 cup sliced olives
• 2 cups cooked chopped, or shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped pepperoncinis
• 1/2 diced red onion

Italian Dressing:

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

A pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the pasta as per the instructions on the package. After cooking, drain and rinse with cold water until the pasta is cooled.

2️⃣ Prepare the Italian dressing in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, sugar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

3️⃣ Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and mix well.

4️⃣ Add in the tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, chicken, pepperoncinis, and onion, tossing them to combine well.

5️⃣ Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour before serving.