Grilled Chicken and Pasta Salad

Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and satisfying Grilled Chicken and Pasta Salad, a perfect blend of smoky grilled chicken, al dente penne pasta, and crisp summer vegetables. Seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic, paprika, and olive oil, the juicy chicken breast complements the fresh medley of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, all tied together with a bright lemon-Dijon dressing. Each serving is topped with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan and a pop of fresh parsley for an irresistible finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this versatile recipe is ideal for meal prep, picnics, or a light yet hearty weeknight dinner. With its delicious balance of protein, fresh produce, and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire! Perfect keywords include: grilled chicken, pasta salad recipe, easy salad ideas, healthy dinner, and summer recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 300 grams Penne pasta
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 200 grams Cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium Cucumber
• 0.5 medium Red onion
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 30 grams Parmesan cheese (shredded)

Directions

Step 1

Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the penne pasta, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set it aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both chicken breasts.

Step 3

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Step 4

Prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Finely chop the parsley.

Step 5

In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.

Step 6

Make the dressing by whisking together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Step 7

Finish by sprinkling the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1254.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2399.0

Total Fat 83.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g
Cholesterol 317.2mg	0%
Sodium 3178.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 248.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.0g	0%
Total Sugars 12.5g
Protein 161.2g	0%

Vitamin D 9.9IU	0%
Calcium 491.4mg	0%
Iron 17.1mg	0%
Potassium 2572.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.5%

Protein: 27.0%

Carbs: 41.6%