There's nothing better than a delicious and healthy pasta salad for lunch or dinner. And this chicken bow tie pasta salad is no exception! Made with juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and a tangy Italian dressing, it's the perfect dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, and outdoor picnics. Plus, it's low-calorie, low-carb, and gluten-free, making it a great choice for those watching their weight or looking for a light meal. Read on to learn how to make this tasty dish!
Ingredients
This tasty pasta salad requires only a few simple ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 lb bow tie pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
Making this pasta salad is incredibly easy. Here's what you need to do:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let cool, then cut into smaller pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, bow tie pasta, bell peppers, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and stir to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of other dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Serve it as a side dish with grilled or baked chicken breasts.
- Top it with grilled shrimp or salmon for a complete meal.
- Serve it with a green salad for a light and healthy meal.
- Serve it as a dip with chips or crackers for a tasty appetizer.
Variations
This pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:
- Use cooked shrimp or salmon in place of the chicken.
- Add cooked vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli.
- Swap out the Italian dressing for a creamy ranch or Caesar dressing.
- Add other cheeses such as mozzarella or Parmesan.
- Use a different type of pasta such as penne or farfalle.
Storage
This pasta salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in this pasta salad?
This pasta salad contains approximately 500 calories per serving.
Can this pasta salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
Can this pasta salad be made vegan?
Yes, this pasta salad can easily be made vegan. Simply omit the chicken and use a vegan-friendly Italian dressing.
Can this pasta salad be frozen?
No, this pasta salad should not be frozen. It will not taste as good after being frozen.
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
Yes, this pasta salad is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free bow tie pasta.
