Ingredients and Weight:
- Penne pasta: 500 grams
- Grilled chicken breast: 250 grams, chopped into small pieces
- Cucumber: 1 medium, chopped into small pieces
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Red bell pepper: 1 small, chopped into small pieces
- Feta cheese: 100 grams, cubed
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Cold pressed olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes (includes cooking pasta)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for pasta)
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 cooked pasta with the grilled chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Nutritional Information:
(Based on average values; may vary depending on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: Approximately 500 calories per serving (assuming 8 servings)
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 22g
- Fiber: 3g (Based on ingredients list)
Dish Characteristics:
- Cold and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer or as a side dish for any meal.
- Combines the flavors of pasta, grilled chicken, and fresh vegetables with a creamy dressing.
- Can be customized with different vegetables or proteins based on preference.
User Comments:
- "This is a great dish for a hot summer day! The combination of flavors is so refreshing."
- "I love the combination of pasta and cold chicken in this salad. The dressing is delicious."
- "This salad is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. It's easy to make and tastes great!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for best results. If possible, buy organic ingredients for added health benefits.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- For a lower-fat version, you can use less mayonnaise in the dressing and add more lemon juice for flavor.