Description
Chicken Salad Chick pasta salad is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad featuring tri-color rotini, Italian dressing, artichoke hearts, black olives, feta cheese, and Parmesan for a satisfying side dish or light meal. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a homemade dish that feeds a crowd. Easily paired with grilled proteins, sandwiches, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta (substitute gluten-free pasta if needed)
- 1 cup Italian dressing (substitute sugar-free or olive oil-based dressing for low-sugar diets)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup chopped artichoke hearts
- ⅓ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (from a jar)
Optional Seasoning:
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tri-color rotini according to package directions until al dente. Rinse with cold water and refrigerate until chilled.
- In a small bowl, combine Italian dressing, Italian seasoning, chopped artichoke hearts, and sliced black olives. Mix well.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the chilled pasta. Add crumbled feta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and ground black pepper if desired.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–5 days. Avoid freezing, as this salad does not freeze well due to its fresh ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg