Description
This Chicken Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a vibrant, flavorful, and wholesome meal perfect for lunch or dinner. It combines tender chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese tossed with pasta shells and fresh vegetables in a zesty natural Italian dressing. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, this refreshing salad is great for busy days, casual gatherings, and versatile enough to customize according to your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Pasta
- 2 cups pasta shells
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Cheese and Dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing (natural)
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Chicken: Boil the pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Meanwhile, poach or grill the chicken breast until fully cooked, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a non-stick skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Chop into small pieces to add smoky crunch to the salad.
- Chop the Vegetables and Cheese: Dice the red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, shred the plant-based cheese, and finely chop the fresh parsley.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, turkey bacon, vegetables, olives, and plant-based cheese. Pour the Italian dressing (natural) over the salad and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking pasta for the best texture that holds dressing well.
- Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to keep the salad refreshing.
- Prepare the salad a few hours ahead for more intense flavor development.
- Add dressing gradually to prevent sogginess.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness and attractive green color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chicken pasta salad, Italian dressing salad, plant-based cheese salad, quick pasta salad, turkey bacon pasta salad
