Ingredients and Weight:
- 400g dried pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
- 1/2 cup olives (your choice of variety), pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 15-20 minutes (for pasta)
- Total: about 35-40 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and cooked chicken.
- Add the olives, chopped basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: ~350 kcal
Fat: ~14g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Protein: ~15g
Fiber: ~4g
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used)
Dish Characteristics:
- Colorful and refreshing pasta salad with a classic vinegar-based dressing.
- Combines fresh vegetables with hearty chicken and pasta for a satisfying meal.
- Versatile dish that can be customized with different types of pasta, vegetables, and protein sources.
User Comments:
- "This pasta salad is so refreshing! The combination of flavors is perfect for a summer picnic."
- "I love the addition of olives in this salad, it gives it a unique taste."
- "This is a great dish to make ahead of time for a party, it tastes even better after being chilled for a few hours."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use high-quality ingredients for best results.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preference.
- If using different types of pasta, cooking times may vary, so be sure to check the package instructions.
- This salad is best served chilled, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
